Thieves target lake homes

Photo: Google Street View

Police have arrested four people after a suspected robbery spree of homes along the western shore of Okanagan Lake.

Events began unfolding shortly before 5 a.m. Friday when police in West Kelowna were notified a paddle boat was being stolen from a home in the 1000 block of Westside Road.

Two men were seen stealing the boat and a jerry can, before paddling out to a houseboat.

Officers arrived as the houseboat, also suspected to be stolen, was travelling under the span of the William R. Bennett Bridge, heading towards Mushroom Beach.

The suspects apparently spotted police, changed course, and beached the vessel between Kalamoir Park and Casa Loma Resort.

Mounties from Kelowna and West Kelowna apprehended two men, and two women seen fleeing the boat.

A 50-year-old Kelowna man and a 35-year-old West Kelowna man remain in police custody. The 50-year-old man was also wanted on an unrelated arrest warrant.

The two women were released at the scene.

“West Kelowna RCMP continue to investigate and have yet to identify the registered owner of the houseboat,” says Const. Jesse O’Donaghey.

“Investigators are mindful that, given the vessel's condition, it may have been a previously abandoned boat. RCMP are also investigating whether or not property items located on board are stolen property.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880. Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.