RCMP report nine break-ins and thefts in five days

PENTICTON – There's been a recent rash of break-ins and thefts over the past week and Mounties believe some may be linked.

Police responded to eight break-ins between Friday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 20. Six of the break-ins happened in apartment building laundry rooms. The unknown suspects broke into and damaged coin-operated laundry machines on birch Avenue, Fairview Road, and Scott Avenue. Storage lockers on Wade Avenue, Winnipeg Street and Van Horne Street were also broken into and items taken.

RCMP suspect the incidents are related and an investigation has revealed a possible suspect. Police have reason to believe the suspect is getting into the apartment buildings by ringing every unit until someone lets them in. Police are therefore asking apartment residents to ensure they know who they are allowing into the building.

The other two break-ins happened at M&M Meats on Skaha Lake Road but no entry was gained. Someone did, however, gain entry into Bright Smile Teeth and a teeth whitening product was stolen.

Another robbery was reported Tuesday morning around 4 a.m. when a resident was woken up by noise to find his truck and ATV were gone. The police crossed paths with the truck and ATV heading down the Channel Parkway not long after the report was made.

The police officer attempted to pull the truck over, but the truck didn't stop and instead turned suddenly onto Old Airport Road, missing the turn and hitting a hill on the west side of the road. In an attempt to get away, the truck reversed into the front of the police vehicle and the driver and lone occupant—a 33 year-old Osoyoos man— was eventually arrested and brought to detachment cells. He will remain in custody until Oct. 29, 2014 and faces charges of vehicle theft, assault of a police officer and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Meaghan Archer at marcher@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.