Surging vehicle thefts leads to joint ops by RCMP

By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle

The RCMP have conducted targeted operations in the South Okanagan in response to surging vehicle thefts aimed at high crime areas and known repeat offenders leading to vehicle recoveries and arrests.

In response to a surge in vehicle thefts throughout the South Okanagan, the Penticton RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, in partnership with the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT), conducted a joint operation throughout the South Okanagan over a five day period.

In a statement the RCMP said the operation led to the recovery of multiple stolen vehicles within the Penticton area, as well as resulted in the arrest of a 40 year old repeat offender. This individual was remanded in custody and is facing 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.

In addition to the joint operation with IMPACT, police in the South Okanagan have “remained actively engaged in addressing individuals responsible for auto theft,” the statement said. This included the further recovery of multiple stolen vehicles.

Throughout the month of June, the Oliver and Midway RCMP recovered multiple stolen vehicles which included, three cars, two motor homes, a utility trailer and an excavator.

Further investigation led to a total of five people arrested in connection to the stolen property who 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 after market immobilizers, and encourage people not leave valuables inside vehicles said Cst. Jessie Byers of the Penticton Crime Reduction Unit.

Anyone with information related to such crimes are reminded to Call the Penticton RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1(800) 222-8477.