Castlegar Citizens on Patrol (COP) were making their rounds at the end of September when they came across a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the back yard area of a local tow company located in the 4000 block of Minto Road. The vehicle appeared to be parked in front of a hole that was observed in the fence to the property.
COP was quick in reporting their observations to Castlegar Police as they believed a break, enter and theft was in progress.
Castlegar Detachment members and West Kootenay Traffic Services arrived on scene and noted a female passenger inside this vehicle. Police determined that a male associated to this vehicle was on foot and believed to be inside the compound.
Police Dog Services were called to the scene and the police dog was able to track down this male who was hiding on the property. The male sustained minor bite wounds from the police dog incidental to his arrest. A search conducted inside the vehicle revealed various break and enter tools that would assist in committing property crimes.
A 42-year-old Salmo man and 26-year-old Salmo woman have been charged with break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of break and enter instruments and have since been released on bail and placed on conditions.
Their first appearance is scheduled for November 10 at the Castlegar Courthouse.
Citizens on Patrol are trained volunteers governed by the BC Crime Prevention Association who have a mandate to detect disruptive, suspicious and criminal behaviour. These volunteers act essentially as an extra set of eyes and ears for the community.
Should anyone be interested in joining the Castlegar Citizens on Patrol, they can contact the Castlegar RCMP Detachment at (250) 365-7721.
