RCMP are investigating a rash of break-and-enters and trailer thefts in 100 Mile House.
Police received a report on October 5 of a stolen travel trailer taken from the 600 block of Exeter Station Road— a 2022, 30-foot Springdale travel trailer with BC License plate WPH94P.
Footage from security cameras in the area showed a black Dodge Ram 3500 on the property at the time of the theft, as well as two males wearing dark coloured hoodies.
During the week of September 30 to October 7, police responded to four break-and-enter incidents (BnEs).
The first report to police came on October 3, at a commercial property on the 4000 block of Canim Hendrix Lake Rd. A lock to the gated property was cut, where damage was done to a building in an attempt to enter.
Police say a C-Can on the property was taken that contained firefighting equipment, including hoses, tools, and a 5 HP Honda water pump. Additionally, a black tandem axle car trailer with BC license plate 57331K was also taken which the C-can was being stored.
Police believe the incident happened between September 30 and October 1.
The second BnE, also reported on October 3, was at a residence located on the 2000 block of Canim Lake North Rd. The residence was entered sometime overnight, and a generator was taken.
A red and burgundy 1990s Ford single cab was observed in the area that appeared to be casing the area.
Sergeant Brian Lamb says police are looking into the possibilty that these two BnEs are linked.
“We are investigating the possibility that these are linked because they occurred all within the same timeframe,” said Lamb. “There was also two red trucks seen in the area at the time of the thefts, and that is something we are looking into as well.”
The third incident reported happened at a residence on the 7000 block of Bridge Lake North Rd. A lock to a gate was cut to enter the property, where a C-can was broken into.
A red truck was observed driving on the property. Police are awaiting a list of items taken. The incident occurred between Sept 27 and October 4.
The fourth and final BnE reported during this time, was reported on October 6 of a residence located on Hoover Bay Rd. Police say sometime overnight or in the early morning hours, a residence was entered where several long rifles were taken.
Lamb says that police are working with the owner to compile a list of firearms taken.
100 Mile RCMP says there has been an up and down “spike” in break and enters recently. Two weeks ago, police responded to six calls of BnEs in a weekly report. Lamb says that lately trailers have been a “hot commodity” for criminals, with another trailer reported stolen on October 8.
“Utility trailers, especially dump trailers, have been targeted within the last few months in 100 Mile. If it’s sitting there, it’s easy for thieves to hitch up and take off in a matter of seconds,” Lamb says.
“Certain trailers are also not built to have a Vehicle Identification Number. So it’s also easy for somebody to take the plates off and put their own on.”
Police suggest that residents take extra precautions with their trailers, saying that if they are not in use, they should take measures to make them immobile.
Lamb says there could be several factors that coule be attributing to spikes in break and enters.
“Somebody casing residences could see that houses appear unoccupied, or are unoccupied with winter travellers. It could also be a result of traveling criminals passing through the are. With Highway 97 being a major corridor, historically we have had issues with criminals hitting this area and then leaving. We are also looking at our own prolific offenders. We’re considering all the options.”
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