Attention female shoppers, forget about that “blue light” special for a moment and make sure your purses are secured.
Between Jan. 9-22, Campbell River RCMP responded to five complaints of purses stolen from shopping carts.
Purses were left unattended in both push carts and handheld carts for only seconds when the culprit grabbed them and fled.
At least two of the five cases had video surveillance which is being examined for suspect identification.
Police are asking the public to be mindful about leaving any valuables unattended in shopping carts as this is a crime of opportunity.
Suspect caught on video
Mounties are looking for a man who robbed the 7-Eleven convenience Saturday night.
According to RCMP, the thief entered the store located on Dogwood Street at 2nd Avenue at 9:44 p.m.
The man, who wore a hoodie and a ball cap, walked to the counter, produced a knife with a bright orange handle, and demanded money.
He then fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.
A police dog was able to track the suspect for a few blocks, but then lost the scent.
The robber is described as about 5’8”, with a medium build. He was wearing a black-coloured ball camp and hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and white running shoes.
Police are hoping to identify the culprit through surveillance video and are also asking the public for any assistance.
Metal thieves target old mill
Thieves targeting valuable metal set their sights on the former Elk Falls mill site.
On Jan. 23, around 11:30 p.m., police were called to a possible break and enter at the Catalyst mill site.
When officers arrived, they noticed several breaches of the fence as well as valuable copper wire both inside and outside the fence line.
Police set up a perimeter, but the suspects had already fled.
Then on Saturday, at 3:15 p.m., police responded to a complaint from the John Hart Dam that someone had cut copper wires.
Security on scene is keeping a closer eye on the area for thieves.
Residential B&Es
A home on Cambridge Road was entered through the locked patio door while the homeowner was out for only a few hours on Jan. 24.
The culprit(s) rifled through drawers and appeared to be looking for jewelry. The investigation is still on-going.
On Jan. 27, at 2:52 p.m., RCMP responded to a complaint of a break and enter on Passage View Drive.
Entry was gained entry through a locked, side garage door.
The thief targeted jewelry in bedrooms.
The Forensic Identification Section attended and processed the scene and has developed some evidence.
Man in wheelchair hit
Police want to speak to a driver involved in minor collision with a wheelchair.
The accident occurred around the noon hour on Jan. 5, at the marked crosswalk by Ricky’s Restaurant on Greenwood Street and 13th Ave.
A man who uses a wheelchair was crossing the intersection when he was struck by a black minivan.
According to police, the elderly female driver stopped and asked the man if he was okay.
When he responded that he was “fine” the woman left the scene with no exchange of information.
However, the man in the wheelchair does not have much feeling in his legs and did not realize his foot was broken until he went to the hospital the next day.
The man does not believe the driver is trying to avoid the situation, he just needs to speak with her.
The black minivan had a Veteran’s licence plate on it.
Joy riders sought by police
Mounties are looking for the drivers who drove through a park on Saturday night and early Sunday morning.
The park is located between Blesbok and Gazelle roads. Vehicles were seen driving on the park lawn between midnight and 1 a.m., causing damage to the grass. One instance occurred as early as 10 p.m.
Police ask that if you see this occurring, call 911 and try to obtain a licence plate.
Police are asking the driver of the minivan to please call the RCMP detachment.