Vanderhoof’s local RCMP detachment lodged 74 files, which included nine prisoners, in the past week.

ARMED ROBBERY

Crowbar was the threatening weapon of choice for two Vanderhoof women who robbed a local convenience store in the early morning hours of Jan. 16.

One of them wore a disguise and after taking $150, a carton of cigarettes, and other miscellaneous items including the belongings of a present employee, the two women fled the store.

Responding to the store’s alarm at 3:56 a.m., the police recognized immediately the undisguised woman from video surveillance footage.

Three hours later, the police located the disguised woman in St. John’s Hospital when assisting emergency health services with an overdosage incident, recognizing her clothing and behaviour as recorded in the store’s video. Her undisguised partner was then located at Saik’uz First Nation. The police also found and seized the crowbar used during the robbery.

Both medically treated before going into custody, Candice John and Tiffany Quaw were arrested and charged for robbery and other offences. Now released for recognizance with several conditions, the two women will be in Vanderhoof Law Courts for their first appearance on Feb. 20.

NOT TOTALLY FENCED IN

Theft struck again at a business near Ryley Avenue, as a box of tools worth $1,00o was taken from an outdoor covered area of its property over the night of Jan. 15.

Video surveillance from surrounding businesses did not reveal any suspects this time, and the last break-in on the property took place during late summer last year.

To help deter opportunistic thieves, the police reminds owners to ensure that items are locked securely in sheds.

Video cameras for surveillance are powerful tools and easy to obtain, and an alarm system can help to stop theft, the police said.

– with files from Sgt. Svend Nielsen, Vanderhoof RCMP