Didsbury housekeeper charged with theft and break-and-enter

A Didsbury woman has been charged with multiple offences following a break-and-enter into a home in Carstairs, after facing similar charges earlier this year.

On Sept. 18, Didsbury RCMP responded to a report of a home that had been broken into while its residents were away. Various items, including gold and silver, were reported as stolen.

Video surveillance obtained by police from a nearby building showed a female suspect, who was then identified and was known to the victims.

Police determined that the suspect had pawned stolen items from the residence, and believe the stolen gold and silver were sold for approximately $87,000 in illegal profit.

A search warrant of the suspect’s Didsbury residence on Oct. 13 turned up identity documents and contraband tobacco.

Ann Carveth, 69, was arrested on scene and has been charged with break and enter of a residence, theft over $5,000, mischief under $5,000, trafficking in property over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and possession for the purpose of sale a tobacco product packaged without a stamp as defined in the Excise Act.

Upon her arrest, Carveth was held for a bail hearing, after which she was remanded into custody. She is scheduled to appear in court in Didsbury on Oct. 19.

Carveth was charged with similar offences in August, after Disbury RCMP responded to a report of theft from a rural property in Mountain View County.

The victim told police at the time that a female suspect had been hired to provide homecare and housekeeping services, and had stolen items from the residence after requesting the victims to meet her at separate locations.

A police investigation determined that she had removed a video surveillance camera attached to the home, and an item belonging to the victim was seen in her vehicle. The item was later recovered by police after a search warrant was obtained.

Carveth, then a resident of Cremona, was charged with theft under $5,000 and being unlawfully in a dwelling house.

Didsbury RCMP believe there may be additional victims given Carveth’s work as a housekeeper.

Those who believe they have been a victim or have information are encouraged to call the Didsbury RCMP at 403-335-3382. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.P3Tips.com or through the P3 Tips app.