Thieves smash through walls

Photo: Google Street View

Thieves smashed through the walls of a commercial building in Rutland two nights in a row.

Thieves hit a commercial building in Rutland twice in two nights, stealing from two small businesses and a church by breaking through walls.

The first robbery was discovered on the morning of Jan. 16 by employees of a business at 164 Rutland Road North.

A hole was found in the wall of the electrical room of the business, that connected to the RCCG Christ Chapel next door.

Microphones, a keyboard piano, a flat screen TV and a digital console were all stolen from the chapel.

“The loss of these items has had a significant effect on the chapel’s ability to fully operate,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey of the Kelowna RCMP.

The following day, police were once again called to the building to find the RCCG Christ Chapel had been broken into again, but this time, the thieves forced their way through the walls into a neighbouring hair salon as well as a dog grooming business.

While police continue to examine the forensic evidence from the scene, they are asking for the public's assistance.

Those with any information about the robbery have been asked to call Cst. Katherine Bizier of the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.