Castlegar RCMP disrupt vehicle break-in, in progress by bear

Bruin vehicle B and E

Photo: Google streetview

Castlegar RCMP officers responded to a break-in in progress on Wednesday.

Call it reverse Goldilocks’ syndrome.

On Wednesday evening Castlegar RCMP were alerted to a suspect attempting to steal a pickup truck located in the 1400 block of Columbia Avenue in Castlegar.

The owner of the truck called police just before 11 p.m. while witnessing the suspect in their truck.

RCMP immediately responded to locate the suspect who was described as approximately 5’6” in height, slim build and wearing a light brown sweater.

Police arrived on scene and found the vehicle’s door was ajar — with various items scattered on the ground — and the suspect fleeing prior to police arrival.

Upon investigation police found that some of the scattered items included food and officers began to suspect the culprit was a bear.

“Upon viewing a neighbour’s security system, their suspicion was confirmed with police believing that, given the bear’s description of a slim build, the bear had no intentions in stealing the truck and was looking for easy food,” said Castlegar RCMP Sgt. Monty Taylor.

“It is not uncommon for bears to access vehicles by opening unlocked doors or through open windows. People are reminded to secure their vehicles and remove food items from their vehicles.”