RCMP are investigating up to 30 reports of vandalism after someone went on a tire-slashing spree in Penticton between 10 p.m. Sunday and 6 a.m. on Monday.
Sgt. Rick Dellebuur said police are investigating the incidents that took place along Manitoba Street, Carmi Avenue, Main Street, Industrial Avenue and down Atkinson Street. Some cars had two tires slashed, others had all four. Dellebuur added a knife was the tool used to do the damage.
“If anyone has information they certainly can call us or Crime Stoppers and it would be appreciated. We have a couple of people that we know that have been doing this but they are in jail, so we are scratching our heads right now thinking about who else we have out there that is into this kind of criminal activity,” said Dellebuur.
While police spent all of the morning checking damage and filling out reports on each of the vehicles that were vandalized, residents in those areas woke up to find their vehicles unusable.
Peter Proulx was about to take his son to school on Monday morning only to notice his vehicle was sitting awkwardly.
Upon closer inspection he noticed his passenger side front and rear tire and been popped. He saw the truck parked in front of him also had its tires deflated, and that trend continued down the street.
“Looks like someone just went along the street sticking a knife into every tire. There is quite a bit of vandalism in this area,” said Proulx of the housing complex on Atkinson Street. “Everyone parks in the front because it is safer, but I guess not.”
Proulx added that RCMP quite often patrol the area during the day, but he would like to see more police cars check the area at night.
“I understand they are busy though,” added Proulx. “This is probably going to cost me $800 because I don’t have vandalism on my insurance and I’m sure it is a similar cost for everyone parked here. A lot of people that live along here are lower-income families too and they are all just getting over Christmas.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or the Penticton RCMP detachment at 250-492-4300.
