Mounties in the South Okanagan have conducted a joint operation in response to an uptick in vehicle thefts in the area.
The operation was done with the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT), and targeted high crime areas and known repeat offenders.
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Over a five day period, officers were able to recover multiple stolen vehicles in the Penticton area. A 40-year-old man who is a repeat offender was also arrested and will face several property crime related charges.
“The Penticton RCMP remains committed to investigating property crime in the region and greatly values the invaluable knowledge and expertise provided by a specialized unit like IMPACT,” says Superintendent Beth McAndie of the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen RCMP.
The RCMP added that South Okanagan officers are remaining “actively engaged” in addressing those responsible for auto theft. That continued work has resulted in the further recovery of several stolen vehicles.
Throughout the month of June, the Oliver and Midway RCMP recovered multiple stolen vehicles which included, three cars, two motorhomes, a utility trailer and an excavator.
Stemming from further investigation a total of five people were arrested in connection to the stolen property and were released on mandatory reporting conditions with future court dates.
“Reducing auto theft and property crime is a shared responsibility, and RCMP encourage everyone to lock their vehicles, use additional aftermarket immobilizers, and encourage people not leave valuables inside vehicles,” said Cst Jessie Byers of the Penticton Crime Reduction Unit.
Anyone with information related to vehicle theft and property crimes are reminded to Call the Penticton RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1(800) 222-8477.
