Westbank First Nation head office hit with second-break in

WESTBANK FIRST NATION – Local First Nation offices have been broken into for the second time this year, and the second crime closely resembles the first.

A break-in at 515 Highway 97 South was reported just after midnight Saturday, May 7, to West Kelowna RCMP, Kelowna RCMP spokesman Const. Jesse O’Donaghey says.

“It appears suspect or suspects smashed two ground level 8’ by 8’ plate glass windows. It doesn’t appear the suspects entered the building but items were removed from inside,” O’Donaghey said today, May 9.

He could not confirm what was taken, but during a similar break-in on New Year's Day, someone stole a laptop computer after using a parking lot sign to smash a plate glass window.

Communications director Mandi Carroll confirmed the break-in but is unwilling to elaborate on the the most recent crime or whether the two crimes could be connected.

“There was an unlawful entry at a Westbank First Nation government building and steps are being taken to repair the damage,” she said. "All other questions with respect to the matter should be properly directed to the RCMP as the investigating authority.”

O’Donaghey said Const. Kent Hall of the West Kelowna RCMP is investigating the most recent break-in. Hall was unvailable for comment.

Anyone with information about the break-in is asked to contact Hall at 250-768-2880.

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