Summerland RCMP and other detachments are continuing to search for a large, dark-coloured 4X4 pickup truck in connection with four, vehicle-ramming break and enter incidents.
According to Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth of the Penticton RCMP, Summerland Pharmasave, Summerland Golf Club, Kettle Valley Steam Railway and the Sumac Ridge Winery were all hit by the vehicle overnight Aug. 2.
The truck, possibly grey with a red Tidy Tank visible in the box compartment, was last seen leaving downtown after the Sumac Ridge Winery break and enter.
Attempts by police to stop the pickup were unsuccessful. Both the buildings and the vehicle suffered extensive damages according to Wrigglesworth. The suspects in the case reportedly stole a number of items including golf clubs.
In another incident police are also looking for suspect(s) in connection with a break and enter at Tickleberry’s ice cream shop in Okanagan Falls early Aug. 3.
A nearby neighbour was awakened by a large noise and audible alarm. The witness then noticed a vehicle had backed into the shop knocking out a door and wall.
When police arrived and cleared the building they found a safe had been targeted but no entry was gained. Tinted glass at the scene indicated the vehicle’s (possibly a Ford Explorer) rear window my have been broken. Although nothing was taken there was thousands of dollars in damage to the building.
The following day RCMP in Keremeos spotted a vehicle similar to the suspect one and when they attempted to question the driver the person fled on foot.
At press time police were trying to get a search warrant to enter the motel unit where the suspect was thought to be staying. The matter remains under investigation.
A break and enter was attempted on 705 Birch Ave. when suspects tried to break into the laundry room of the building. The attempt on the evening of July 31 failed, but Wrigglesworth said these types of break-ins come in patterns.
Another break and enter occurred at Sally Beauty Supply on Skaha Lake Road July 31. The front door glass was smashed and an undisclosed amount of cash was taken from a safe as well as hair extensions.
Overnight July 28 police reported multiple vehicles broken into with windows smashed in and dashboards ripped apart in attempts to obtain stereo equipment. In a span of four days a number of vehicles were stolen in Penticton, Summerland and two dirt bikes from Naramata.