Break-in spree targeting Oliver businesses continues

Photo: File photo

Oliver RCMP are continuing to investigate an ongoing wave of break-and-enter incidents targeting local businesses.

Three more took place this past week, after multiple incidents in the weeks prior.

On Nov. 19 shortly before 3 a.m., a business in the 5700 block of Main Street had its glass door smashed in.

Security footage showed a suspect in the store for less than 30 seconds before exiting, and police arrived 15 seconds later.

The suspect was covered up, wearing dark clothing, a dark-coloured hoodie with brand name "Zoo York" written in white writing on it, and a grey backpack. He was approximately 5'8-5'10. Several cartons of cigarettes were stolen.

On Nov. 20 shortly after 9 a.m., a store owner called police to report an overnight break-in in the 6000 block of Main Street. The door had been smashed so the lock could be disengaged. Nothing was stolen.

Later that same morning, a woman out for a walk noticed a broken window at a business in the 6200 block of Main Street.

Police had earlier located a cash register nearby, which was later confirmed by the business to have been stolen. The cash was missing from it.

Security video showed a lone suspect in a grey hoodie. Forensic crews examined the scene and found found evidence police believe will identify the suspect.

Oliver RCMP continue to gather evidence in the hope of identifying the suspect or suspects in these crimes.

Detachment commander Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth told Castanet last week that these crimes seem to have a pattern, and that the suspect or suspects "seem to be looking for that quick dollar to support whatever habits that their lives contain right now. And sometimes it's $40, $100. But nowhere near the damage caused.”