Barriere RCMP are currently investigating a number of property crimes in the Agate Bay Road area, including attempted and successful thefts of motor vehicles.
The most recent of these thefts took place during the early morning hours of Apr. 23, and involved a black Dodge pickup truck with vehicle tint driven by the perpetrators.
Neighbours to the property that was broken into on Apr. 23 advise there was also a large amount of damage and vandalism done inside of the buildings on the property.
A good friend of the owner of the property said the man had been ill, and that unfortunately he had passed away the day before the break-in.
Neighbors in the area reported seeing the black Dodge pickup and the stolen vehicles leaving the property “filled with stuff and heading east on Agate Bay Road”.
Quick social media posts and calls to friends and others along the road did turn up a few more sightings, but as of this writing the thieves have not been found.
“While this investigation is underway, we are requesting the public’s assistance to be on alert for suspicious persons and motor vehicles on Agate Bay Road and report any suspicious activity to police,” said Cpl. Welsman, “The Barriere RCMP will be patrolling the Agate Bay Road and surrounding area at increased intervals to combat these thefts and we appreciate the assistance of local residents to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity as well.”
To help prevent property crime occurrences, Welsman recommends area residents;
• Lock and fully secure vehicles and remove any ignition keys
• If you have a rural property with a gate at the roadway, consider locking your gate overnight to help prevent easy access to your property and in turn your vehicle
• Use any available exterior lighting to increase visibility on your property
• Consider utilizing any video recording equipment you may have on your property, such as trail cameras or security cameras
If you observe a crime in-progress, whether on your own property or a neighbour’s, notify the RCMP right away to get police on their way by dialing 9-1-1.
Barriere RCMP also offer the following tips to citizens reporting an incident to 9-1-1 emergency operators:
• Clearly state if the crime is in-progress so that the police call-taker can appropriately dispatch front line police officers
• Turn on all lighting, and stay on the line with the 9-1-1 emergency call-taker until police arrive on scene to assist and investigate
• Make observations and take note of the suspect or suspects physical descriptions, vehicle descriptions, including any license plates, and direction of travel is invaluable
• Although its not recommended by police, if you elect to confront a property crime offender on your own property, ensure you place your own personal safety ahead of the value of property
For additional theft prevention tips visit the BC RCMP website: https://bc-cb. rcmp-grc.gc.ca
___________________
Like us on Facebook