FLOOD WATCH 2017: Sandbags stolen from downtown businesses

KELOWNA – A group of downtown businesses are wondering why their sandbags were taken from their storefronts.

For the last few weeks people have been filling up and placing sandbags to prepare for possible flooding.

Three businesses in the 1600 block of Ellis Street were prepared with sandbags lining the exterior of their shops, until Sunday afternoon, May 14, when the bags were no longer there.

“I have no idea why anybody would steal sandbags, I mean they’re free for anyone who needs them,” Jim Belshaw, the owner of Roys' Shoe Repair said. “There are numerous sites all over the city where you can get a truck-load full of sandbags, why anyone would drive along a street and take sandbags on a Sunday afternoon is beyond me.”

According to Belshaw, roughly five bags were taken from his storefront. Additionally, a similar amount of bags were taken from neighbouring Ashbury Bridal Couture and Adventures in Hair.

“All together I would say about 20 sandbags were taken, it’s just goofy,” Belshaw said.

For now, Belshaw says he is watching the flood warnings and keeping an eye on nearby Mill Creek.

“If it comes to it, I guess I’ll just have to go and get some more.”

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