Penticton police return stolen merchandise to local business

PENTICTON – Bike Barn co-owner Will Pratt says he was pleasantly surprised to see Penticton RCMP Const. Chad Jackson show up at the Bike Barn last week with armloads of recovered stolen merchandise from the Penticton bike shop.

The shop was victimized by a break and enter early in the morning of March 13.

The thief, who was later apprehended by Penticton RCMP, had gotten away with dozens of pairs of high end sunglasses and two mountain bikes.

Pratt said today, April 21, the RCMP returned 51 pairs of Oakley sunglasses, which Bike Barn management decided to offer for sale at 40 to 70 per cent off.

“We wanted to recognize the great community support we received after the break-in. The product is still in good condition and thought it would be a good way to say thanks to the community,” he said.

It was the second time Const. Jackson returned one of the two bikes, which had been stolen once before in a previous incident.

“I think we’re going to have to throw in a lock the next time it sells,” Pratt laughed, adding he was “super grateful” to the RCMP for the great job they did recovering the merchandise.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.