Residential break-ins prompt caution from RCMP

PENTICTON – Penticton RCMP are issuing some words of caution to residents following several days of escalating residential break-ins in the city.

RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth says several break ins have taken place in the last two days, by attempting to open sliding glass doors or by using tools such as pry bars to gain entry.

Wrigglesworth says a few brazen daylight break ins have also been attempted. In some instances, residents were home and able to call 911 or otherwise scare the suspects away.

Yesterday, March 6, police were called to a Brunswick Street address to a reported break-in in progress.

The suspect attempted to open the back door of an abandoned home with a pry bar and hammer, eventually breaking a window. The suspect then exited through the front door.

There was nothing in the building of value.

The suspect is described as 5'8" wearing dark grey clothing, a grey sweatshirt and carrying a backpack.

An attempted break-in was also reported at 1:30 p.m. yesterday, March 6, in the 2300 block of South Main Street. The suspect attempted to pry open a rear door but was scared off by the homeowner, who was in the residence at the time. The suspect fled on foot.

Also yesterday, police received a report of a break and enter at 9:30 a.m., at an apartment complex located in the 200 block of Wade Avenue.

A bank of mailboxes were broken into using a crowbar. Two women were observed in a closed circuit video of the incident, which took place around 1 a.m. Monday morning, March 6.

Several break ins were also reported in the south end of Penticton on March 2.

“Call 911 if you see suspicious activity, lock things up and let neighbours know if you’re going away,” Wrigglesworth advises.

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