By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
A concerning rise in business break-ins has the Oliver RCMP stepping up its game.
More break-ins creating havoc for Oliver businesses
Police seek criminal for rash of break-ins, thefts
“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 crime scene is 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.
On Nov. 12 at 6:10 a.m., the manager of a store in the 6300 block of Main Street reported being broken into sometime overnight. The front door glass had been smashed but no cash was on site. Instead, food and other items were stolen. The matter remains under investigation with video footage. Wrigglesworth said that forensic evidence will be examined to potentially identify a suspect.
On the same day at 7:04 a.m., a complainant contacted police reporting the front glass door at another business on Main Street had been smashed. Police attended and confirmed a break and enter. Video footage showed a lone male break the glass and enter through the front door. The front desk was rummaged and several items were taken. There was no cash on site.
On Nov. 14 at 8:30 a.m., police received a report of a break and enter to a business in the 8500 block of Highway 97 at Gallagher Lake. The office building had been entered by damaging the front door handle. Police report that desk drawers were broken into and rummaged through as well as a work vehicle containing tools.
Wrigglesworth said it is unclear what, if anything was taken.
“The Forensic Identification Section attended and seized evidence that may identify a suspect,” he said.
Wrigglesworth acknowledged that the continuation of business break-ins over the past six weeks is very concerning to police.
That’s why the RCMP remind everyone to be vigilant in protecting their property.
“Ensure that your video surveillance is in working order, that your business alarm is set and keep an eye out.”
Although local police have had success in arresting the culprits responsible for a number of recent incidents, there are “still individuals in our community that are active in committing criminal acts,” the commander said.
Oliver is still picking up the pieces from recent crime files.
A break-in on Main Street (6000 block) on Nov. 10 was discovered when the owner arrived to find his front glass door smashed in.
Police report that two cash registers had been rummaged through with money taken.
“The safe had been dragged outside but had been left behind unopened,” said Wrigglesworth.
The break and enter occurred sometime overnight but the exact time is unknown as there was no security footage and no alarm, he said.
In another break-in on Nov. 5, a lone male intruder was interrupted and scared off by the owner in the 5800 block of Main Street.
Wrigglesworth said the suspect fled northbound on foot with a small amount of change, some cigarettes and other items.
The male was described as about five feet, eight inches tall with a stocky build. He was wearing a black trench jacket with white markings on the back.
Wrigglesworth said the suspect entered the store by smashing the front door and removing it from the hinges.
“The door was not secured properly as it was awaiting repairs from a previous break and enter the previous month,” he said.
“These break and enters to local businesses continue to plague our community. Our officers will continue to investigate and bring the suspects before the courts,” he said.
