Another reminder about the importance of locking your home.
Kelowna RCMP believe an unlocked door allowed a break-and-enter suspect inside a Rutland home where property was stolen along with the homeowner’s vehicle.
RCMP responded to a report of a residential break-in at a home on the 300 block of Hollywood Road South on Thursday night at about 7:30 p.m.
Once inside, police say the suspect or suspects stole electronic items and the homeowner’s vehicle.
Less than eight hours later, police received a report of a suspicious vehicle, matching the description of the stolen vehicle, spotted in the area of Highway 33 and Roxby Road. Officers searched the area and quickly located the alleged stolen vehicle in a parking lot near the intersection of Hollywood Road North and Highway 33 West.
Three female youths, who were sitting inside the stolen vehicle, were taken into police custody without incident. A fourth youth was taken into police custody as she returned to the stolen vehicle.
During a search of the 15-year-old Kelowna teen investigators located the stolen vehicle’s keys. She faces potential charges and is expected to appear in court today.
“The Kelowna RCMP would like to thank the members of the public who reported the vehicle as suspicious to police,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.
“Often times people fail to report suspicious activity, while it is occurring, because they don’t want to be embarrassed if their suspicions are unfounded. In this case the reported suspicious activity resulted in suspects being safely apprehended and stolen property quickly returned to its rightful owner.
“RCMP would also like to remind residents to keep their doors and windows locked at all times. It often does not take long for a thief to slip into and out of your home undetected.”
