FORT ST. JOHN -- Fort St John RCMP is alerting hunters in the area to be vigilant following a series of overnight thefts from vehicles, which appear to be targeting hunting gear and firearms.
The first two incidents occurred on October 2. At 6:25 a.m., the Fort St John RCMP received a report of an ATV theft from the Holiday Inn Express at 9504 Alaska Road North.
The ATV was stolen from the back of a pickup truck after the straps were cut. The RCMP Street Enforcement Team later recovered the ATV in the area of 87 Avenue and 88 Street.
Later that morning, at 8:30 a.m., another theft was reported from a vehicle with a camper attached at the Best Western on 86th Street. The vehicle’s windows were smashed, and a black Pelican case, typically used to store firearms, was stolen along with tools, personal items, and roll-around can.
“It appears that these theft from vehicles are targeting hunters and their possessions as a seasonal opportunity. Vehicles that look like a hunting vehicle probably have valuable hunting gear in it,” said Constable Chad Neustaeter, Media Relations Officer for the Fort St John RCMP.
The following morning, at 2:00 AM, a vehicle break-in was reported again at the Holiday Inn Express. A window was smashed, and the suspect stole two hunting rifles and jerry cans.
"Our intent with sharing this information is to prevent further thefts by bringing awareness to hunters in the area so that they can take steps to protect their possessions, especially firearms,” said Neustaeter.
The RCMP is now urging hunters to take extra precautions to secure their vehicles and belongings, particularly firearms, to prevent further incidents.
An investigation into the incidents remains ongoing, with police asking anyone with information to contact the Fort St. John RCMP detachment at 250-787-8100 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
