There’s thieves on the loose in Lake Cowichan and RCMP officers are emphasizing the importance of locking up.
A number of thefts have taken place in the Cowichan Lake area recently, not only involving vehicles, but break-ins on residences, sheds and outbuildings as well.
“Most of the offences are occurring in the early morning hours between midnight and 5 a.m. however three residences along Grant’s Lake Road were broken into during the day…when the homeowner was out of the house,” said Sgt. Wes Olsen in a press release. “
Thieves are targeting small change, electronics and tools from the unlocked vehicles, hand and power tools from sheds and outbuildings and cash and jewellery from the residences.”
Olsen says unlocked vehicles are an easy target and the thieves have also been reported to have broken into buildings or sheds by cutting locks.
“Most of the time the culprits are believed to be on foot or bicycle but one early morning B&E to a shed in the 200 block of Grant’s Lake Rd on February, 10th required a vehicle as a set of four tires on Chrome rims were stolen.”
Police believe there is more than one gang of thieves on the loose.
“Evidence at some scenes suggest just one suspect whereas recently two suspicious males were seen in Point Ideal around 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 going into yards where no lights were on checking vehicles and residences.
“A resident on Tal Road noted the two males and their suspicious behaviour and called police. The males were confronted by two different residents who followed them in their vehicles and scared them out of the area prior to police arrival.
“The most recent B&E occurred sometime after midnight on Feb. 23, where a culprit or culprits broke into the St. Christopher’s Anglican Church on Cowichan Avenue West and stole a small sum of money. The rear door of the church was forced open with a crowbar which police recovered from the scene.”
As well as locking up properly, RCMP are also encouraging locals to record serial numbers of items.
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• In an email to the Gazette, Corporal Warren Potter reported that on Feb. 20 a large battery charger was turned in to Lake Cowichan RCMP detachment. It was found in Lake Cowichan by someone out walking.
If you are missing this property please contact Lake Cowichan RCMP at 250-749-6668 to identify it.
• Lake Cowichan RCMP are looking for the owner of a large blue/green, Yellowhead RT, Tek gear by TREKK, backpack.
The backpack “was turned into [RCMP] on Feb. 17.” said Cst. Grant Desmet. “The backpack had been found in the Youbou Community Centre the morning after a large rave.”
If this is your backpack, please contact the Lake Cowichan RCMP at 250-749-6668.