Rash of vehicle thefts

Photo: Contributed

Keremeos RCMP are investigating three vehicle thefts and one attempted vehicle theft, as well as two other property-related incidents from last weekend.

The string of car thefts began on Sunday, when a Mercedes sedan was taken from a residence in a mobile home park on Highway 3 and a Ford F250 was stolen from another residence in the village. A third vehicle, again a Ford F250, was attempted to be stolen from another nearby residence.

Early on Tuesday morning, a silver Dodge truck was stolen from a ranch on River Road, which was recovered on Thursday according to Cpl. Brian Evans.

Evans said a person of interest has been identified in relation to the thefts.

"We're looking at forensic analysis at some of the evidence gathered from the vehicle and other investigative avenues to put a stop to this."

He suspected the vehicle thefts may be connected but wasn't able to confirm. 

A fifth theft, on Monday, saw a gas log splitter stolen from an elderly person's property in Cawston. Evans said it has not yet been located.

Also on Monday, Evans said a home was damaged at Upper Bench Road and Middle Bench Road in the village, during an incident that occurred at 1:30 a.m.

"We're not quite sure if it was a very poorly attempted break-and-enter, or it if was mischief. There was a suspicious noise... They heard the noise, outside they went and then the vehicle was seen leaving," he said.

"Generally Keremeos is a very quiet community at night, so if there's vehicles lurking about or disturbances in the early morning hours or very late at night, that's unusual."

Evans said it's only a coincidence that these incidents happened during May Long weekend.

Anyone with information on any of the crimes is asked to contact Keremeos RCMP.