A theft from the See Ya Later Ranch in Okanagan Falls was quickly tracked by police leading to two arrests as RCMP continue to work on the string of thefts and break-ins in South Okanagan communities.
Police received reports on the morning of Nov. 13 that three quads had been taken from the ranch at 2575 Green Lake Rd.
Police were able to track the GPS units in the quads to the suspects a short distance away and two arrests were made, which are currently awaiting approval of charges.
Police reported that one of the suspects had recently been released from jail and is a repeat offender.
“(GPS) is a good theft deterrent if you are able to,” said Rick Dellebuur, RCMP media spokesperson. “We are losing a lot of quads out there. (It helps) if a person is able to put some type of a GPS on it to track them.”
A rash of thefts occurring in the Okanagan Falls area and further south in Oliver may be attributable to repeat offenders being released from custody according to RCMP.
“We are having a number of break-ins and that, especially in the south. The OK Falls, Oliver area,” Dellebuur said. “Some of it stems from some of the people who got sent away this spring are now back into our communities.”
Police are focusing their efforts, however Dellebuur said co-operation with residents increasing security to protect their property will help stem the tide.
“People have to take steps to protect their property. We’re still getting vehicles stolen because people are leaving their keys in the ignition,” Dellebuur said.
“We’re certainly trying to work on some of these prolific (offenders) and catch some of these prolific (offenders), but at the same time people have to take certain steps.”
Dellebuur said securing property is even more important with Christmas season upon us, noting that thieves are aware people are stocking up on expensive gifts.