Thieves getting bolder

Photo: Contributed

Thieves appear to be getting much bolder in the Penticton area.

According to police, a woman recently walked into Bosley's Pet Food Plus, picked up a bag of dog food, said she bought it and produced a receipt in an attempt to get a refund.

The woman then proceeded to leave the store with a stolen dog cooling jacket.

Last week, a thief, who was trying to get empty bottles assaulted two cleaning women at the Black Sea Motel on Lakeshore Drive.

Community policing co-ordinator RIck Dellebuur said authorities are seeing more of this "bold-as-brass" activity, because of drug use and thieves not being concerned about getting caught.  

"They used to be more overt in their activities," he said. "Now, they just fill a shopping cart full of things and walk right out of the store or just run off."

One answer is holding those who get caught more accountable for their actions, he added.