Chris Newel
For the Bulletin
Over the past few weeks Kimberley RCMP have noted a sharp increase in the number of break and enters and thefts. Police are very concerned and are actively following up on a number of leads but no arrests have been made.
Police would like to make the public aware of the incidents in the hopes that they pass on any information that could assist in the investigation.
On June 22, the long board shop on Howard Street reported they were broken into overnight and several Landyachtz long boards stolen. Further inquiries found there had been attempts to other businesses on Howard Street at the same time.
On July 2, Revolution Acupuncture reported they were broken into overnight and cash box containing a small amount of money taken. Police have since recovered the cash box and following up.
A cash box from the Kimberley Summer Theatre was stolen from a vehicle in the Platzl. In this case the window of the vehicle was smashed and the cash stolen leading police to believe suspects may have watched the person put the cash box in the vehicle.
On July 4, a purse was stolen from a vehicle on Wallinger Ave. The owner was moving and going to and from her vehicle when the theft occurred.
Early Monday July 6 the alarm was activated at Melody Motors. Investigation found a broken window but nothing was taken. In this case police believe the alarm scared the thief off. The same day Centre 64 reported they had been broken into overnight. Access was gained through a rear door; from there thieves broke into the office and removed a cash box.
On July 7th, police were called to the Marysville Pub; a single person had entered the pub shortly after 2:00 am, stole a small amount of money but quickly left when the alarm went off.
The Forensic Identification Section have attended and gathered evidence that will assist officers in the investigation.
Typically police respond to more calls for service in the warmer months but the number and types of incidents over the last few weeks is highly unusual. Crime tends also tend to be cyclic and can often drop once one person is arrested or leaves town. Police are pursuing a number of different avenues of investigation in an attempt to arrest the suspect or suspects’ responsible.
At this time police are reviewing all the cases individually but they could be the result of one or two people
Police are asking the public and business owners to be vigilant. Ensure cash is not stored on site and make sure your alarm is activated and surveillance cameras are working properly.