Times Chronicle Staff
Another rash of break-ins is creating a lot of headaches for businesses and police in Oliver.
The community was just getting over a recent spree of break-ins and thefts when it was hit hard by another batch during the past week and a half.
“This recent upswing in break and enters to Oliver businesses is very concerning to the Oliver RCMP,” said Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth. “In many instances the damage caused is more significant than the small amount of items stolen.”
The commander noted that video surveillance and enhanced security, including alarms and the help of the public is very important with helping to prevent and solve these crimes.
“With perseverance and targeted enforcement, the Oliver RCMP has been successful in identifying and charging some individuals involved and will continue to investigate these crimes.”
On Oct. 17 at 3:03 a.m., an alarm activated for a business in the 200 block of Fairview Road. The front door was smashed, and a male was observed on video completely covered up. Police report the male left at 3:06 a.m., two minutes before police arrived on scene.
The investigation remains open with a possible suspect identified.
On Oct. 20 at 8:25 a.m., there was a report of a break-in to an office in the 5900 block of Main Street. The front glass door was broken and cash had been stolen. The building alarm had not been functioning at the time of the incident, which occurred overnight, according to police.
On Oct. 24 at 7:49 p.m., another Main Street break-in was reported. Once again, the front door had been smashed and video surveillance showed a lone male enter the store at 5:20 a.m. Police say a vehicle that was stolen from another incident appeared to have dropped the suspect off.
On Oct. 24 at 5:53 a.m., another break-in was reported at a business in the 6200 block of Main Street.
The owner was out of the country, and the keys to a vehicle parked outside were stolen, police reported.
“This vehicle was suspected to be involved in another break and enter and was recovered prior to this break in occurring,” police said.
At 7:04 a.m. on Oct. 27, police received a report of a break-in to a business in the 5600 block of Main Street.
The front door glass had been broken and entry was gained. Cash and food products had been taken.
Video evidence showed a lone male wearing a hoody and mask reach in through the broken glass and unbolt the door.
“The male suspect was recognized later that day wearing the same clothing on Fairview Road,” Wrigglesworth said.
The suspect was arrested for break and enter, and evidence from the scene was located in his possession, the officer noted.
“This male is a suspect in a number of recent property crimes in Oliver.”
On Nov. 1 at 2:38 a.m., a report came in on two suspects breaking into a fenced-in area at the back of a business in the 5700 block of Main Street. Police attended and located a 20-year-old female and 43-year-old male, both residents of Oliver.
Police report the items they were attempting to steal were recovered from their possession. Both individuals were arrested for break and enter and held in cells at the Oliver detachment. They were released later the same day on an undertaking to appear in court on Jan. 4, 2023.
