‘Deeply disturbing violation’: Calgary man tunnelled into upstairs neighbours unit

A Calgary man is facing charges after breaking into his upstairs neighbour’s apartment without ever leaving his unit.

Officers responded to reports of a break-and-enter in the southwest community of Coach Hill last Friday.

Investigators say the victim reported ongoing issues with a downstairs neighbour that had intensified in recent weeks.

The woman said she had been away from home, and when she returned, she discovered ‘significant disturbances’ in her unit — including a large hole in the floor — even though her door was locked.

Police believe the person living below the woman, the same individual she reported having issues with, had tunnelled a large hole from his suite into hers through an open space behind a fireplace.

“This incident represents a deeply disturbing violation of personal space and security,” said Insp. Keith Hurley of the Calgary Police Service. “The idea that someone would go to such lengths to gain unauthorized access to another person’s home is not only alarming, but it also shatters the fundamental sense of safety we all deserve in our own residences.”

Over the weekend, investigators gathered evidence and were able to get authorization for a search warrant.

Ben Edward Maize, 46, has since been charged with one count of break-and-enter with intent to commit criminal harassment, mischief to property over $5,000, and two counts of disobeying a court order.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 12.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234 or tip anonymously through CrimeStoppers.