Criminal activity at southwest Calgary arena sparks safety concerns

Arena incidents have community concerned A string of suspicious incidents and thefts at the Jimmie Condon Arena in southwest Calgary is sparking public safety concerns.

Calgary police say they are upping patrols around the Jimmie Condon Arena after several concerning incidents unfolded this week, creating an unsettling experience for facility users.

Officers responded to the southwest arena three times this week.

Police were first called on Monday at around 6:30 a.m. after a vehicle was stolen from the parking lot.

Police say three people stole car keys, wallets, backpacks and other items from one of the arena's dressing rooms. The stolen car was later located with damage to its front end.

The next day, police were called to the arena in the evening after an intoxicated man attempted to get on the ice.

The incident occurred while members of the Calalta Figure Skating Club were using the facility.

"He was shouting obscenities and appeared unstable," said club president Diana Peters in an email to coaches, skaters and parents. "The police were contacted and dealt with the situation."

Peters says one of the credit cards stolen from a dressing room on Monday belonged to one of the skaters on the team, who was told police arrested a suspect for trying to use the card.

On Wednesday morning, Peters says two of the three thieves returned to the arena and proceeded to walk down the hallway.

Peters says police were called and rink staff escorted the suspects off the property.

She says she is working closely with the city to explore measures that can be taken to make the arena safer.

"Security guards will now be provided during Calalta ice sessions seven days a week," she said.

"Until security personnel are in place, rink staff have been instructed to remain vigilant and present during our ice times. While the presence of a security guard may deter certain individuals, it is important to note that the individuals involved in Monday's incident returned on Wednesday and appeared confident, blending in as if they belonged."

Suspicious activity

Ed Power attends Jimmie Condon Arena four times a week for public skating.

"We've seen a couple of different characters that come in every once in a while, but it's really just a crime of opportunity more than anything else, because there's no real security on our gear," he said.

"Some of these people coming into the facility aren't just coming in to wander around, I mean we've seen people suddenly pop up over the boards after sleeping here for the night. It's unfortunate because it's so cold out sometimes and people are looking for any shelter they can find."

Rink user Terry Strome says he's noticed an increasing number of vulnerable individuals entering the rink during public skates.

"It's pretty sad," he said. "I can't imagine their situation. We often watch if there's people coming in that don't belong, we keep an eye on our stuff and we all know each other, so we look out for each other."

Safety a 'top priority'

In a statement to CTV News, the City of Calgary said the safety of staff and customers is its "top priority."

"We are dedicated to keeping our spaces safe and welcoming for everyone. When criminal activity occurs in our facilities, we work closely in collaboration with the Calgary Police Service to address and resolve these situations promptly," read the statement.

"We continue to stay in touch with Calalta to ensure their concerns are addressed and to keep them informed of any updates."

Rink staff at the Jimmie Condon Arena give dressing room keys to those who have rented the ice and are using the facility at the time.

Calalta has advised its members to ensure all doors remain locked when not in use and to keep keys in a safe place.

Additionally, staff at the rink are advising skaters not to leave any valuables in the dressing rooms and to instead to bring their belongings with them to the boards and to keep them in sight.

Jimmie Condon arena staff can be contacted by calling 403-808-2706, and anyone who feels unsafe while in the arena is asked to call 911 immediately.