Cranbrook residents and businesses are being warned to lock up with a spike in theft about the city.
Cranbrook RCMP has noticed an increase in stolen goods, specifically in the industrial area, with a recent trend indicating that enclosed trailers are being targeted by thieves.
The last few days alone, police have responded to five incidents, including a grey cube electric bike stolen from the back of a pickup truck on Sunday while a traveler was having lunch at a local restaurant in the 1400 block of Cranbrook Street North.
On Monday, July 21, thieves were back at it with one individual returning from vacation to learn his Springdale travel trailer bearing Alberta plate 5JF973 was pinched from a friend’s residence in the 4700 block of highway 95A, while another reported culprits cut a fence and then forced entry into a cargo trailer in the Industrial area stealing over $2,000 in Dewalt tools.
Meanwhile, over the weekend, someone had forced entry into an enclosed trailer in the 1200 block of 6th Street North and stole over $4,000 in Milwaukee tools.
And finally, police are on the lookout for stolen BC license plate, R27341, which was taken from a business in the 1000 block of Kootenay Street North.
“The Cranbrook RCMP Detachment is taking proactive steps in response to this spike in theft including increased patrols throughout the community, enhancing visibility in high-risk areas, and have deployed both marked and unmarked units as part of their targeted enforcement strategy.” said S/Sgt Barry Graham.
“Investigators are actively pursuing leads and review surveillance footage from recent incidents.”
“Police highly recommend that whenever possible the public avoid leaving valuables in unattended trailers overnight, use heavy-duty locks and hitch immobilizers on all trailers, park trailers in well lit fenced or monitored areas, and record serial numbers and engrave or label tools and equipment to aid in identification.”
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Cranbrook RCMP at 250-489-3471 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Cranbrook RCMP also ask residents and business owners to continue to be diligent in reporting suspicious persons or vehicles loitering near worksites, equipment, or industrial areas.
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