Vernon

On Sunday night Vernon North Okanagan RCMP began investigating a series of residential break and enters in the Okanagan Landing area.

Calls began at approximately 7 p.m. in the 6000 block area of Longacre Drive. The owner of the residence had been away for the weekend and returned home to find jewelery and electronic items stolen.

Three hours later a second call came in from near the 4000 block of 25 Avenue. The owners had been away for the weekend as well and returned to find evidence of a break and enter. The suspect obtained a set of keys and stole a vehicle parked outside the residence.

The third call to RCMP arrived shortly after 4 a.m. from a resident in the 7000 block of Longacre Drive.

The resident was awoken by noise in the garage and had gone to check it out.

The owner yelled at the suspect who then fled on foot. The police attended that location and the stolen blue Ford pick-up truck that was previously stolen from the residences on 25 Avenue was recovered.

“RCMP Police Dog Services was called to the scene who conducted a lengthy track without success.  They were quite excited for awhile but the track abruptly ended,” said Vernon RCMP Cpl. Gerry Kovacs.

“It was felt maybe there was another vehicle was left in the area and they departed that way. This morning RCMP Forensic Identification Services will begin its investigation of the crime scenes as well as the recovered stolen vehicle. This investigation is very active and still ongoing.”

Police are seeking the public’s assistance for any information about these crimes. They also urge people to ensure they lock their vehicles and secure their houses and any outdoor buildings.

“Twenty three years in the business and I’m suspecting there’ll be more [reports] coming in today once people get a look inside their vehicles and word gets out,” said Kovacs.