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RCMP warn citizens to be vigilent after rash of thefts

A higher than normal number of thefts of trucks and recreational vehicles has Summerland RCMP issuing a public warning.

A higher than normal number of thefts of trucks and recreational vehicles has Summerland RCMP issuing a public warning.

"Summerland RCMP are asking citizens to be vigilant in securing their property and to report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood," said Sgt. Mona Kauffeld.

RCMP believe the incidents started July 6 at 2:10 a.m. when a Summerland police officer attempted to pull over a truck towing a boat. Kauffeld said when the officer went to stop the vehicle it took off. The GMC Suburban and Thunder Jet boat were recovered a short time later, but the occupants had departed. On July 25, a white Mastercraft X-2 speed boat was stolen from Lakeshore Drive in Summerland. According to RCMP the boat trailer had been secured with a lock in the pinhole which had been cut off. The value of the boat and trailer is approximately $120,000. On the same day a 2002 Dodge pickup was stolen from Summerland. Kauffeld said the two thefts are believed to be related. The truck was recovered on Aug. 10 in Williams Lake, however, the boat has not been found.

On Aug.1 and 2 there were seven vehicles targeted in attempted thefts that police believe are also related to the other stolen vehicles. A Ford F250 was taken from Woods Avenue and a green 2008 Yamaha Grizzly ATV was stolen from Prairie Valley Road. The Ford was recovered in West Kelowna on Aug. 20, but the ATV is still outstanding.

In the early hours of the morning on Aug. 25, a 12-foot aluminum Misty River boat and four horsepower Yamaha outboard engine was stolen from South Okanagan RV worth approximately $3,000. On that same date, a Chevrolet Silverado was stolen from Victoria Road South. Both the boat and truck were found abandoned on Bridgeman Road just off Highway 97, north of Summerland. Kauffeld said the boat had come off the trailer and suspects had departed the area.