Times Chronicle Staff
The Oliver Recreation Centre has been added to the long list of crime scenes in Canada’s Wine Capital.
A concerning rise in commercial break-ins has the Oliver RCMP hopping from one file to the next.
“I can assure you that the evidence gathered at a number of scenes will lead to the identification of those responsible,” said Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth.
The latest file relates to Oliver Recreation Centre where two males broke in after 2 a.m. on Nov. 15. Police arrived almost immediately but the suspects were gone, Wrigglesworth said.
A male wearing a motorcycle helmet used a hockey stick to break the glass of the community hall entrance while leaving a push dolly outside. “He then uses a hammer and breaks the glass on the door to the community centre offices and is observed departing with an armful of papers,” the commander said.
One suspect unsuccessfully attempted to steal an ATM on the premises, he added.
Oliver Parks and Recreation Manager Carol Sheridan confirmed that both their entrance doors to the community hall and administration office were broken into early Tuesday morning.
“Thanks to our security measures nothing of value was taken, however, the damage to the doors and the ATM machine was extensive,” she said.
In the meantime, police continue to investigate a string of break-ins on Main Street during the past month. Video surveillance is being used to identify the suspects.
