CANVASSING FOR COCAINE

Keen Cop Catches Two In Crime Stoppers Caper

An eagle-eyed city cop, with no help from tips, crushed a Crime
Stoppers fraud yesterday that was used to feed the drug habits of two
men - one who used to do fundraising for the police-supported
organization.

"They were raising money to buy cocaine," city police spokesman Wes
Bellmore said yesterday.

A day after city cops warned people to watch out for men pretending to
raise cash for Crime Stoppers, a sharp-eyed constable nabbed two men.

Const. Jan Kostal, who was assigned to investigate the alleged fraud,
called for backup when he saw a two-tone mid-1980s Chevrolet full-size
passenger van with California plates heading into northeast Edmonton
yesterday.

"He was driving along and he spotted them in traffic and pulled them
over. It was just a really nice bit of coincidence," said Bellmore.
"He pulled up right behind the van in traffic. It was bad luck for the
guys in the van and good luck for the constable."

The two men were arrested peacefully shortly after 1 p.m. near 54
Street and 155 Avenue.

Kostal, who could not be reached for comment, was pleasantly surprised
at the sudden turn of events, Bellmore said.

"He's pretty happy."

Police heard of the fundraising fraud on Friday after a city motel
manager called cops about cheques made out to Crime Stoppers that were
left behind after a guest checked out. The guest also stole a TV from
the room.

Cops believe the suspects were headed back to the same neighbourhood
where they'd been peddling their fraud door-to-door when they were
nabbed.

One of the alleged scam artists was fired this month from a private
company that does legitimate fundraising for Crime Stoppers, a
non-profit organization that depends on donations, fundraising and the
work of volunteers.

Police have said the man may have used a red and black Crime Stoppers
jacket and picture ID to fool victims. The real fundraising campaign
has solicitors selling calendars with mini souvenir handcuffs.

A Crime Stoppers jacket and ID were found in the van, said Bellmore,
adding the van isn't reported stolen, but police are trying to track
down the registered owner in California.

Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards of up to $2,000 for information that
leads to an arrest, the recovery of stolen property, or the seizure of
illegal drugs. You can contact Crime Stoppers by calling
1-800-222-TIPS.

Cory James Bertrim, 31, of no fixed address, is charged with 13 counts
of fraud under $5,000 and one count of theft under $5,000.

Timothy John Mammen, 30, also of no fixed address, is charged with the
same offences.