Nelson has experienced a large influx of people into the city this past week and as a result, it has been a busy time for the Nelson Police Department.
On July 24 the NPD investigated the theft of copper wire from the tram tracks in Lakeside Park. They are short pieces, approximately 10 centimetres long used to ensure proper conductivity between rail gaps.
It appears unknown culprits cut sections off that were out of sight of the general public in the park. Likely they will be taken to a metal recycling dealer to be traded for cash.
The Nelson Police are asking anyone with information about these thefts, or witness anyone tampering with the tracks to please contact them at 250-354-3919. If you have information and wish to remain anonymous you can also call crime stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
It is volunteers that keep the historic local tram running for all of our enjoyment. This thoughtless act will be a costly and time consuming repair for the Nelson Electric Tramway Society.
On July 25 a new arrival to Nelson made himself know to the community and NPD members with his “drinking and belligerent behavior.”
After three liquor related arrests within 24 hours of his arrival the 46-year-old male was charged for causing a disturbance, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and two counts of under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act.
He was released with strict conditions and will appear in Nelson Law Courts this fall to answer to the charges
Also on July 25 at 11:45 p.m. the Nelson Police noted a large group of people, many having just arrived in Nelson, drinking, smoking drugs, and having a small party in the 400 block of Baker Street.
Members spoke to the group, seized and poured out liquor and laid the appropriate charges. The group was cooperative in cleaning up their mess and members spent some time educating them to the laws that applied to their conduct. It was also pointed out to the group that there are residents in the area that probably did not appreciate the noise they were causing that late at night.
In the early morning hours of July 26 a resident of the uphill area noticed a male going through parked cars. She called police and they located an intoxicated 16-year-old male with a number of recently stolen items in his possession. He was lodged into cells and held until sober.
He was charged with theft under $5,000 and possession of stolen property. All items taken on this occasion were return to their proper owners.
The Nelson Police Department would like to remind people to lock their vehicle and secure their valuables. Generally, the vehicle is targeted because the items to be stolen are visible from the outside (such as a GPS unit left on the windshield, or spare change left in plain sight). Make sure all windows are closed and doors are locked, even when your car is parked at home. Keep all valuables out of sight. Leave nothing in plain sight that may make your car interesting to a thief. Ensure iPod cables, GPS mounts and similar items are kept out of sight.