Category: Antigonish

April 10, 2025, Antigonish, Nova Scotia… Community support and engagement was vital to the recent recovery of a bell stolen from a church in Ballantyne’s Cove.

On April 1, Antigonish County District RCMP responded to a report of theft at a church on Hwy. 337. RCMP officers learned that a large bell was taken from the property sometime the night prior.

Information gathered led investigators to believe that items stolen from a nearby property had been used in the commission of the offence at the church.

On April 4, police learned that the missing bell was located in Pictou County. Thanks to the social media posts and the attention they received, an individual received information about where the bell could be found, leading to its safe recovery and return to the church.

The investigation is ongoing, as officers continue to follow up on leads and information provided by the public about this theft to support criminal charges.

“When property crime targets historical or cultural items, we understand that the impact can be significant on the community as a whole,” says S/Sgt. Kim Hillier, Antigonish RCMP Detachment Commander. “Thank you to all who played a part in returning this bell to where it belongs.”

If anyone has information regarding this incident or other property crime offences, they are asked to contact the Antigonish RCMP at 902-863-6500 or the police of jurisdiction. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

File #: 2025-420313

April 3, 2025, Antigonish, Nova Scotia… Police have charged an Antigonish man with drug trafficking offences and seized drugs and weapons after executing a search warrant in Afton Station.

On April 2, the Antigonish-Guysborough RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on West Arm Branch Rd. in Afton Station as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

Officers safely arrested a man and seized cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, prescription drugs, and drug paraphernalia. They also seized firearms and ammunition, a baton, and brass knuckles. Additionally, officers recovered a 2019 Keystone camper trailer that had been reported stolen.

Jed Douglas Decoste, 34, of Antigonish, has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (three counts). He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Antigonish Provincial Court on May 14.

The ongoing investigation is assisted by the Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (PCISCEU), the Port Hawkesbury Street Crime Enforcement Unit, and the Antigonish County District RCMP. Additional charges are anticipated.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

File #2025-421912

Notes:

• A photo of the items seized is attached.
• The PCISCEU is made up of police officers from Pictou County District RCMP, Westville Police Service, and Stellarton Police Service.

On April 29 at 12:40 a.m., a single suspect gained entry to a store in Auld’s Cove via the roof of the building. He took a quantity of cigarettes then police believe he fled the area in a vehicle. An RCMP police dog was called to the scene to locate a track, but was unsuccessful.

The suspect appeared to be male, and was wearing a grey and black striped hoodie, with the hood up, partially obscuring his face. He was wearing light brown and black work gloves, dark pants and black and white athletic shoes.

The RCMP is asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or has any information about this incident, to contact the Antigonish District RCMP Detachment at 902-863-6500. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit by secure online tips at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.