RCMP urge increased diligence in wake of increased theft in Oliver area

OLIVER – Break and enters are on the rise in the Oliver area and RCMP are urging residents to report suspicious persons or activity.

Police spokesperson Cpl. Dan Moskaluk says in a media release the Oliver detachment has seen a rise in calls for service for residential and business break and enters in the past weeks. Motor vehicle theft is also on the increase as the suspect often steals a vehicle to use in a break and enter.

Moskaluk says items reported stolen are chosen with the idea they can be sold or traded for illegal drugs.

RCMP are cautioning residents to be aware of people who appear to be canvassing the neighbourhood. If a person appears suspicious and is in a vehicle, try to get a photo, a license number or a descriptions of the occupants, but do so from a safe distance.

The RCMP South Okanagan Similkameen Regional Targeted Enforcement unit is being consulted in an effort to assist Oliver detachment in locating and arresting those involved in these crimes, Moskaluk says.

Police believe more than one group of people are involved in the activity as they travel through the South Okanagan region.

RCMP are also advising residents to lock their doors, keep all entrances to home and garages well lit at night, mark valuable items for identification and to not to leave valuables in vehicles.


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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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