Thieves steal telescopes worth $11,000 during Okanagan Observatory break-in

Thieves broke into a sea can at the Okanagan Observatory near Kelowna on Wednesday stealing more than $11,000 worth of telescopes and other items.

Officers responded to a report of the morning break-in at the gated Okanagan Observatory property near Big White Ski Resort at around 4:30 p.m., Aug. 21, according to an RCMP media release.

Two suspects, who were captured by video surveillance, broke into a sea can at the observatory stealing five telescopes, an articulating eye piece and several other items worth more than $11,000.

Images of the suspects from the video surveillance aren't available, RCMP communications advisor Ryan Watters said in an email.

“These are critical pieces of equipment for the operation of the observatory and we are asking for the public’s assistance in locating them,” Kelowna RCMP media liason officer Sgt. Laura Pollock said in the release.

The observatory is operated by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Okanagan Centre.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about the break-in, or may have dash camera footage on Highway 33 between 1:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, to call Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference the file number 2024-48484.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.crimestoppers.net. 

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