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.

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.