Tracking device leads to theft bust in Lake Country

Published on April 12, 2023 by David Wylie

Photo: Contributed/RCMP

A tracking device helped Lake Country RCMP recover stolen high-end tools, a trailer, and vehicles taken in a string of thefts.

Kelowna RCMP released information this week about the multi-district bust last month.

On the morning of March 6, officers found a stolen service truck idling at a business along Highway 97 in Lake Country. The stolen property was inside. Officers also recovered a stolen car at this location that had been reported missing from Langley.

“This is an excellent example of our officers within the Kelowna Regional Detachment areas working together to solve crime that impacts all of our communities,” says Lake Country Const. Bob Moon.

“We encourage the public to etch, mark or initial their tools, as this practice assists officers in returning stolen tools to their rightful owners.”

Police say officers on scene found the suspect and arrested him without incident. The suspect faces multiple counts of possession of stolen property and also had an outstanding warrant from Surrey.

Photo: Contributed/RCMP

Thefts date back to December 2022

The truck was stolen in late 2022 from a residence on Cheryl Road in Lake Country, and police say the suspect has been using it since.

A break in the case came in early March. Kelowna RCMP received a report on March 5 from a mechanic repair shop after one of their service trucks had been stolen from a business on Tilley Road in Kelowna. The truck was spotted in the Beaver Lake Road area hauling a tool trailer, which was not connected to the repair shop.

A tracking device had been embedded by the owner into the high-end tools, which led to the arrest.