POLICE – Stolen van, bicycles recovered thanks to tip from alert citizen

A suspicious vehicle report led to police recovering stolen bicycles and a vehicle.

On Aug. 24, 2022, around 9:10 a.m., Kamloops RCMP responded to a report of a parked caravan on the 1200-block of 13^th Street. Police checks on the license plate revealed it belonged to a different vehicle.

“The person who reported the vehicle did so after viewing a social media post about a stolen motorbike, and believed the van to be related,” said Cpl. Crystal Evelyn.

As part of the investigation, officers attended a residence and seized seven bicycles, five or which have been identified as stolen through serial numbers and other descriptors. The suspicious van was reported stolen in Prince George.

“The seizure is a great example of the positive difference the community can have by being vigilant and reporting suspicious activity in their neighbourhood,” added Cpl. Evelyn.

“The report, coupled with the response of the attending officers, led to an investigation which saw stolen property returned to its rightful owners and dangerous weapons seized following the arrest of a man.”

A man who was arrested initially was released on scene, pending the investigation’s conclusion. Anyone with information or video that may be related is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 and reference file 2022-29744.

The Kamloops RCMP Detachment continues to encourage residents to take photos of their bikes, record serial numbers, descriptions, and utilize programs such as 529 Garage, to help officers identify and return stolen property.