Edmonton police are investigating two fires in which extortion notes were left behind, and they are appealing to the public for CCTV footage that may assist in the investigation.
The first incident occurred on September 23 at around 5 a.m. in Holyrood, where a vehicle was set ablaze near 77th Street and 95th Avenue. A handwritten note was discovered at the property, demanding a Bitcoin money transfer. No injuries were reported.
Three weeks later, on October 13 at approximately 3:30 a.m., a fire broke out in a home in Cloverdale, located between 95th Street and 97th Avenue. The residents were able to escape safely. Police have determined that the fire was arson and found notes with handwriting similar to those from the earlier incident at nearby homes.
One resident in the area reported receiving a similar note, stating that if they did not pay $1,000 in Bitcoin, their house would be targeted next.
Police say that at this time it is not known if the incidents are directly connected.
Anyone who has information regarding these suspicious fires is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.
