The issue of privacy and recreational drones came to a head in Winkler last week.

Winkler Police investigated a complaint from a resident of Mountain Avenue about a neighbour who had flown a drone over his house and across the front yard.

The complainant believed the drone to have a camera affixed to it. The potential breach of their privacy was a concern to him, and more-so to his daughter, who had video evidence of the incident.

Officers interviewed the suspect, a 49 year old male, and confirmed that he did have a drone with a camera on it. He denied the allegation however; and was issued a verbal caution about potential consequences should the activity continue.

"Drone operators need to keep the privacy of other people in mind at all times," Police Chief Rick Hiebert says, noting it's common sense to restrict flights to open areas away from private residences.

He notes the department has consulted with crown attorney regarding surveillance cameras for security purposes, explaining if pointed at a neighbours' backyard installing a security camera could incur a mischief charge.

"It's all in the same category, you have to respect someone else's property and privacy," Hiebert says.

As well, this week police responded to the Quality Inn investigating a death under the Fatal Inquiries Act. Hiebert notes police investigate all unexpected deaths, protect the scene and ensure the death was not homicide related. A coroner attends the scene as well.


Below is the Winkler Police Report for October 3 - 10:

Our police service opened 62 files this past week.  The following are some of those files.

October 3rd:    

A resident of 6th Street reported a set of binders and a chain stolen from his trailer which was parked on the driveway during the past weekend while they were away.  It was also discovered that the motion sensor light had been unplugged.

October 4th:    

A resident of Pine Bay reported their attached garage entered overnight and their vehicle rummaged through. The only item reported stolen was a bag of candy. Both the garage door and the vehicle doors were unlocked at the time.

October 5th:    

A vehicle owner on Southgate Drive reported someone had scratched her vehicle on all sides while parked overnight. No motive has been identified and there are no suspects at this time.

October 7th:    

The director of Winkler's Parks and Recreation Department reported an incident of graffiti found in the woman's shower area of the campground washroom. There are no suspects at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact us. We pay for information which leads to the arrest of the person responsible.

Officers attended a residence on request of the woman who stated her estranged husband was in their house and refused to leave. The situation was mediated successfully with no evidence of any criminal acts.