Not the average homebuyers

Photo: Contributed

Police have caught up with a couple posing as interested homebuyers but were actually stealing family jewelry.

September 10 and October 11, RCMP received seven different complaints from homeowners reporting thefts of jewelry and money from their homes.

The homeowners all had homes listed for sale in the Salmon Arm area.

"The investigation thus far has revealed the suspects, a male and female couple, posed as potential buyers who would attend the residences ranging in listed values between $635,000 and $1,200,000," stated Cpl. Dan Moskaluk.  "A large amount of men's and women's jewelry was stolen during the home showings, some of which has since been recovered."

"Much of the jewelry has significant sentimental value with estimated losses exceeding the tens of thousands in value," stated Staff Sgt. Scott West of the Salmon Arm RCMP.

"The male and female suspects, of no fixed address, have since been located, arrested and released to attend Salmon Arm Provincial Court in the new year. 

The Salmon Arm General Investigative Section is handling the investigation with numerous charges being contemplated under the Criminal Code including Theft Under $5000, Theft Over $5000 and Possession of Stolen Property.