BC RCMP warn residents following several vehicle thefts, attempted thefts

Mounties in the southern interior are being warned following several vehicle thefts and attempted thefts last week and over the weekend.

The first report was received by the Grand Forks RCMP on Thursday around 10 am.

A news release says the caller reported that a 2011 Chevy Camrao had been taken from a residence on the 7100-block of Riverside Drive.

According to the release, the theft likely happened days before but was just noticed by the owner. It was found abandoned and recovered at a pullout at Highway 3 but an investigation is ongoing.

The first attempted vehicle theft report was received by the police on Saturday around 9:30 am.

The homeowner told RCMP that the keys to their side-by-side had been taken and the vehicle was moved, but was left on the property.

On Sunday, the Grand Forks RCMP detachment received three separate reports of a vehicle theft and two attempted thefts.

“The first was at 630 in the morning where the owner noticed that their dark blue 2013 Dodge Caravan was taken from their residence on 85th Ave and Riverside Drive. This vehicle has not yet been recovered,” says the news release.

“Just past 8 am, another report from the 8000 block of Riverside Drive where a vehicle was accessed and rummaged through, but nothing taken and no damage occurred.”

At about 11:30 am, a person called in to say that their vehicle had been “accessed” and gone through, but nothing had been taken and no damage was reported.

The Grand Forks RCMP are reminding people to make sure their vehicles are locked and that all valuables are removed.

The release suggests several other ways to deter potential vehicle or property thieves, which includes installing security lights or security cameras and keeping landscaping “neat and tidy” so thieves can’t hide easily.

“A spike in thefts like this is thankfully uncommon in our community but will happen from time to time,” saysDetachment Commander Sergeant Darryl Peppler in the release.

“Often it’s the work of one person who goes out and hits several places in one area.”