UPDATED: Police request public help in nabbing suspect after series of break-and-enters between Castlegar and Nelson
By Kyra Hoggan
Police are appealing for public information after four businesses were broken into last night and into the wee hours of this morning.
Thirsty Duck owner Carol Millar said the alarm at her restaurant went off at about 1:50 a.m.
“They broke the front door, then broke my office door, as well as breaking the ATM and stealing the cassette from that,” Millar said, adding the restaurant will be open today despite the night’s drama.
According to RCMP Sgt. Darryl Little, police believe the suspect in this case is the same man who also broke into and robbed Castlegar’s Canadian Tire, the Kootenay Savings Credit Union at the Playmour Junction and Amanda’s in Nelson, absconding with an undisclosed amount of money.
“The Kootenay Boundary Regional RCMP Detachment and Nelson City Police are investigating a series of break and enters that occurred overnight,” he said in a release issued this afternoon. “At approximately 1:15 a.m. the Nelson RCMP responded to an alarm at the Kootenay Savings Credit Union located at Playmour Junction. Upon arrival the officer discovered the two glass doors had been smashed and the ATM Room door had been forced open, however, no entry to the ATM itself had been gained. It appears a small amount of loose change was stolen from the establishment.
“Police in Castlegar responded to an alarm at the Thirsty Duck Pub at approximately 2 am where they also discovered the front glass door had been broken. Video surveillance indicates a lone male entered the building then kicked open an office door before gaining access to the safe. The thief managed to steal cash from the safe plus the ATM cash cassette containing an undetermined amount of cash. A witness to incident reported seeing a male driving a small older model grey vehicle flee the scene carrying a duffle bag.
“Castlegar RCMP also responded to a report of a break-in to the Canadian Tire store. The investigation determined the front door had been smashed at approximately 10:30 p.m., however, the alarm malfunctioned. Video surveillance shows a lone male prying open the cash registers at the front of the store and then proceed to the GPS cabinet at the rear of the business, which was also pried open. An inventory of items stolen has not yet been completed.
“The video shows a male wearing gloves, a ski mask, black jacket and black sweat pants with a large stripe down either side and carrying a black duffle bag exiting the building.
“Nelson City Police responded to a complaint of a break-in to Amanda’s Restaurant located on the west side of the orange bridge. Video evidence indicates a lone male smashed the front glass door to gain entry at approximately 12:15 a.m. The individual was also dressed in a dark jacket with black sweatpants with a large white stripe on each leg and was wearing a balaclava or ski mask. They were also able to determine the vehicle involved was an older white or grey car – possibly an Audi or Honda product.”
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the RCMP, at 250-365-7721, Nelson City Police, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
