Kamloops RCMP nab 8 theft suspects in bait bike operation

KAMLOOPS -A suspected thief busted in a Kamloops RCMP bait bike program was nabbed between his wedding ceremony and his reception. He was one of eight suspects caught in the sting operation.

Officers with the crime reduction unit recently ran an operation where officers would lock up a valuable bike and then monitor the area to see if someone would cut the lock and steal it, according to an RCMP media release. Over four days, eight suspects were apprehended and faced 23 charges between them.

All of the individuals arrested were men ranging in age from 28 to 45, and police say while none were homeless, most were known to police as drug users or addicts.

They face charges such as possessing property obtained by crime, trespassing at night, obstruction of police, driving while prohibited, mischief, and possessing break-in tools. One suspect was charged with trafficking of a controlled substance, as he had what police believe to be methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. Another suspect was recently convicted of drug trafficking but hasn't been sentenced yet.

One of the suspects was well-dressed when he was caught and police later found out that he had been on the way to his own wedding reception. RCMP say he had been married earlier in the morning and was later contacted by his concerned new bride.

"The Kamloops crime reduction unit will continue to pursue active property offenders using innovative tactics on a regular basis. These offenders sometimes think that police will not actively investigate these types of property crimes. But we know these crimes affect many citizens in our community, we take them seriously and we will continue to do everything we can to stop these trends," Cpl. Steve Davidson with the crime reduction unit said in the release.

RCMP say information on each of the charges will be sent to Crown counsel for consideration.

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