Man arrested for break-and-enter a day after being detained for similar crime

Calgary police say they nabbed a man for breaking into a northwest home a day after he was arrested for a similar offence.

They say that at 3:50 a.m. on Dec. 21, residents reported a suspicious person attempting to enter a home in the 4600 block of 84th Street N.W.

When officers arrived, the suspect had fled the scene.

But less than two hours later, residents in a home in the 8600 block of 34th Avenue N.W. awoke to find an intruder in their house, who was then arrested by police.

“He was taken into custody, charged and later released,” police said in a press release Wednesday.

At 8:35 a.m. the following day, police were called to the 3400 block of 86th Street N.W. for reports of an intruder in an unfinished home.

“Upon arrival, police located the same man who had been charged earlier this week,” said police.

“One man has been charged in relation to both incidents.”

Charged with two counts of break-and-enter is Jett Ethan Devost, 22, of Calgary, whose next appearance in court is Jan. 23, 2026.

Police and some political figures have voiced concern over what they call the practice of catch-and-release of suspects who then go on to reoffend.

On Wednesday, police issued a reminder to the public to maintain vigilance over the holiday season by ensuring windows, doors and vehicles are secure and that surveillance cameras are present with battery backup. Lighting around points of entry is also important, they said, as is ensuring packages aren’t left on doorsteps for extended periods of time.

If away from home, have neighbours shovel snow from sidewalks and driveways to maintain the appearance that your home is occupied, they say.

BKaufmann@postmedia.com

X: @BillKaufmannjrn