A man in Calgary has been convicted of break and enter after digging a tunnel from his apartment to his upstairs neighbor’s unit last summer. Ben Maize, 47, faced charges related to the incident that occurred in 2025 and represented himself during a one-day trial.
The upstairs neighbor returned home on Sept. 5 to find her apartment locked from the inside. Upon inspection, she noticed holes in the drywall near her fireplace leading to a tunnel connecting to the lower unit. Justice Eric Tolppanen stated that although items in the apartment had been moved, there was no damage reported.
During the trial, it was revealed that a ladder was left in the tunnel, linking the two residences. While an ongoing issue between the neighbors was mentioned, specific details were not disclosed. Tolppanen emphasized that the crime disrupted the woman’s lawful use of her property.
Despite the largely circumstantial evidence, the Crown successfully demonstrated its case against Maize. He was found guilty of break and enter and causing mischief valued under $5,000. The mischief charge was stayed, and Maize, who has been in custody since September, will be sentenced solely for the break and enter offense.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled to be arranged on Friday.
