Break and enter suspects elude Penticton police

PENTICTON – Penticton RCMP were unsuccessful in their bids to capture suspects in two incidents of vehicle break and entry last week.

Investigation continues into a theft from a vehicle at Commercial Place on Jan. 14.

Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth says the suspect was interrupted by a passerby during a theft from vehicle on Commercial Place, Jan. 14. The passerby was told by the thief he had a gun, before running away with an armload of goods.

A police dog tracked the suspect, finding a sledge hammer along the way to a vehicle parked two blocks away. Police were unable to identify the suspect, nor were there any stolen goods nearby to tie the individual to the vehicle theft.

Wrigglesworth says several vehicles at Trademark Industries on Industrial Place were also broken into early Saturday morning on Jan. 15.

An unsuccessful attempt was also made to steal two tow trucks, resulting in damaged ignitions.

Then at 2 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, police patrols in the area came across a man dressed in black, who ran off on foot upon seeing police. Officers established a perimeter and brought in a police dog, who tracked the suspect up a ravine onto an industrial property where police believe the man got into a waiting vehicle.

Wrigglesworth says video surveillance of the area is being reviewed.

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