RCMP make arrests after mailboxes blown up in Wedgeport

The RCMP have arrested five individuals after investigating complaints of mailboxes being blown up in the Wedgeport area.

Charges of mischief and unlawfully making or possessing explosive material are pending against two adults and three youth.

As of Monday the charges had not been officially filed with the court, so the names of the adults being charged were not available. Both are 18 years old.

The identities of the young people will be protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Between Nov. 5 and Nov. 9 the RCMP say they received six complaints of explosive devices going off inside mailboxes. According to the police, in five cases explosive material was placed in plastic pop bottles. In one incident a pipe was used.

There were no reported injuries but the RCMP took the complaints very seriously, says a spokesperson for the detachment. The RCMP saw this as a public safety issue and people in the community were nervous about the prospect of their mailboxes blowing up when they opened them.

On Saturday, Nov. 10 and Sunday, Nov. 11 the RCMP made several arrests. The police say they were getting tips from the public in their investigation.

All of the accused are from Yarmouth County. They have all been released pending their court appearances. The three youth will appear in court on Feb. 5 and the two adults will appear before a judge on Feb. 4.