Sgt. Steve Woodcox of the Kimberley RCMP presented the third quarter policing report to council at their regular meeting Monday, February 12, 2024. The report covers October to December 2023. The fiscal year for the RCMP begins in April.
Woodcox reports that calls for service were down slightly from the previous quarter, not unusually as the summer months are much busier, he said.
Regarding property crime, he says that the Thrift Store in Kimberley On Howard Street was broken into and a 35-year-old male resident of Kimberley is presently charged and will appear in court in February 2024.
The Ghostrider Motorsports and Marine in Marysville was broken into New Year’s Eve. Forensic Identification Services collected evidence and video surveillance was obtained. A stolen truck out of Cranbrook is believed to have been used and was later recovered in Creston.
There have been several stolen vehicles that have been recovered lately in the Kimberley area from other jurisdictions such as Cranbrook, Nelson, Sparwood and Alberta, Woodcox reports. These are believed to be related to the local drug scene as several have been recovered at locations and residences known to be frequented by chronic drug users and property offenders.
A number of road checks were conducted in the third quarter. 340 vehicles were topped and several drivers were issued immediate roadside suspensions for impaired driving. Twelve driving prohibitions were issued for impaired driving over the quarter.