Skip to content

‘Brazen’ break-ins on the rise in Penticton

The past week saw an uptick in residential break and enter attempts in Penticton
web1_PWN-T-RCMP-01
File photo

Penticton police are warning residents to be vigilant after a rise in break-in attempts over the past week.

“There seems to be an increase in residential break and enters this week by individuals who are trying sliding glass doors or just using tools to gain entry,” said Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth with the Penticton RCMP. “It seems rather brazen that it’s being done in daylight hours.”

Related: Apex Mountain crime spree

On March 5 around 1 a.m. a break and enter occurred at an apartment building on the 200 block of Wade Avenue W. A crowbar was used to pry open the lobby doors and the bank of mailboxes was broken into and mail stolen. Two female suspects were observed by security cameras.

Another attempted break and enter occurred at 1:30 p.m. in the 2500 block of South Main Street on March 6. An unknown suspect was trying to pry open the rear door of a residence. The unknown male fled on foot after discovering the occupant was home and did not gain entry.

“It’s been fortunate in some instances people have been home and have deterred the criminals from continuing. Call 911 immediately in these situations. Thankfully there hasn’t been any harm done to individuals,” Wrigglesworth said.

Around 3 a.m. March 2 a break and enter occurred at a residence on Lee Avenue. The male suspect entered through a sliding glass door. The occupant of the residence was home and called 911. The male suspect was able to make off with the keys to a GMC Yukon.

The male was described as five-foot-six with a slim build, Caucasian, with a scruffy beard, brown hair and somewhere between 30 to 35 years old. Police dog services were utilized.

The same vehicle was later located on fire in the Skaha Hills area.

The matter is still under active investigation, RCMP said.

Hours later an attempted break-in was reported in the 200 block of Skaha Lake Road at 5 a.m. An unknown male tried the door handle on a trailer. The owner was home and yelled at the male to go away. Police were given a similar description for the male at the Lee Avenue break-in.

Shortly after, nearby at the Wright’s Beach Campground a black Mitsubishi Lancer was stolen after it was left running to warm up. The vehicle was later located at 10 a.m. in the alleyway behind Yorkton Avenue with front-end damage.

Around 8:30 a.m. on March 6 police were called to a break and enter in progress on Brunswick Street. A male was observed trying to open the back door of a residence with a pry bar and hammer. The male broke a window to gain entry and left through the front door. Police said the house was abandoned and there was nothing inside to steal. The male is described as five-foot-eight, with dark clothing, a grey sweatshirt and a backpack. Police were unable to locate the male.

Police are advising to keep an eye on your property, lock doors, lock cars and let neighbours know if you’re going to be away for an extended period of time.