Early morning drop in ‘guest’ wasn’t Santa Claus

PENTICTON – Penticton RCMP are investigating an incident involving a nighttime 'visitor' dropping into a local business through the roof – but, much as it might be the season, this visitor wasn’t Santa Claus.

The early morning break in last week caused substantial damage, but netted the thief, or thieves little in the way of loot.

Police spokesperson Cpl. Ted Muchalenko says police responded to an alarm at Okanagan Builders Supplies on Okanagan Avenue on Nov. 22.

Someone gained entry to the building through the roof, but crashed through the drop ceiling, which likely set off the alarm.

It appears the thief didn’t have time to take much, rifling the till before leaving out the front door.

It appears a couple of laptops are missing as well but the extent of the theft won't be known until inventory is completed.

Police are investigating evidence found in the building and reviewing closed circuit video.


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Steve Arstad

Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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