Times Chronicle Staff
Oliver RCMP are on the hunt for a suspect they believe is responsible for a rash of property crimes over the past 48 hours.
“These types of crimes are very frustrating to our hardworking business owners,” said Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth. “In many cases, the damage done is more expensive to fix than the value of what is taken.”
The commander noted they are looking for one criminal and will continue to pursue leads to catch him.
It all started with a business break-in on Oct. 10 in the 6800 block of Highway 97. Police observed that the front door was broken by the frame and a drawer was on the ground.
The business owner advised that cash, a key for a truck, a Luminex and a Cannon camera (with neck straps) were stolen.
Video footage showed a lone male enter the business briefly and depart through an orchard.
On Oct. 11, police received a call reporting the theft of construction material from a site in the 5900 block of Sawmill Road. The complainant stated that black metal cladding, a couple of chairs, garbage cans, and boxes of nails were stolen. All were valued at approximately $1,500.
More than an hour later (at 10:59 p.m.) a break-in occurred at Fairview Storage on Sawmill Road.
A complainant said his locker was broken into resulting in the theft of a work bench ($250), industrial propane heater ($300), and four boxes of motorcycle stock pipes valued at $2,000.
On Oct. 12 at 4:41 a.m. police responded to an attempted break and enter to a business in the 5800 block of Main Street. The store owner reporting that her front window was smashed and someone attempted to pry open the door frame. Police say tools from a neighbouring business were located at the scene.
Video footage shows a male wearing a blue hoodie, a beige/black jacket, black shoes and black pants. He was also riding a bicycle.
“This appears to be the same male that was caught on video at another location where a break and enter to a business occurred overnight,” Wrigglesworth said.
At 4:52 a.m. the same morning, police received a report of a break and enter to a business in the 6300 block of Main Street. Police met employees on scene and found the front glass doors had been smashed with a rock. Initial investigation found that only some food items and pop were missing.
Also on Oct. 12, a complainant reported a break and enter to a business in the 6400 block of Park Drive. A male is observed on security video smashing the front window in a door with a small axe and climbing over a counter. Police say he took cash from the register and stole a handful of chocolate bars and cola from a fridge.
Surveillance video shows the male riding up on a bike and entering the business wearing a blue hoody, blue jeans, black skate shoes, dark pants, and a large black and beige jacket with hood up and COVID mask on.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Oliver RCMP at 250-498-3422.
