The Nelson Police Department says a local family arrived back from an extended vacation last week to find their home broken into.
“It appears the culprits discovered the unoccupied home and used it as a flop house,” Sgt. Corey Hoy said in a news release.
They stole jewelry and precious metals.
Hoy said the RCMP forensic identification unit is helping in the investigating, but they’re asking for tips from the public that might help identify the suspects or recover the stolen items.
Police did not divulge the address of the home.
Man arrested over imitation handgun
A 35-year-old local man was arrested Saturday afternoon over a replica handgun.
Around 4 p.m. someone called to say a man was pointing a firearm in the 400 block of Ward St., although the caller believed it was an Airsoft, not a real one.
Police found the man, whom they knew, standing on the sidewalk with what looked like a revolver. When he saw police, he put it in a pocket. However, he was arrested without incident and it was confirmed that the revolver was not real.
In addition to charges relating to the replica firearm, the man faces a count of breaching conditions of an order he was under.
Rash of thefts from vehicles reported
Police say there’s been a rash of thefts from cars in Nelson recently.
The culprits are targeting unlocked vehicles all over the city and stealing change, GPSs, satellite radios, and any other easily transportable valuable items.
Hoy reminds you to lock all of your vehicle doors, even if you’re only going to be gone for a second.
“Remember, it only takes seconds to steal items from your car,” he said. “It's not uncommon for thieves to walk down a row of parked vehicles, looking for unlocked doors. Also, make sure car windows aren't left open.”
Valuables should be out of sight when you leave your vehicle.
“Even loose change, cigarettes, cigarette lighters, sunglasses, CDs, cell phones, stereos, cameras, and clothing,” Hoy said. “If they can see it they will steal it.”
A suction cup on your dashboard might tell thieves you have a GPS system in our vehicle. “Very few auto break-ins are random,” Hoy said. “The thieves usually see something out in the open or hints of possible hidden valuables.”
Beware tax scam
If you get an email from someone claiming to be from Canada Revenue Agency telling you that you’re entitled to an additional tax refund, it’s a scam.
Receivers are told to click on a link to initiate the process and prompted to enter personal information, police say. Don’t do it, Nelson police say, after receiving several complaints recently.
Canada Revenue Agency only conducts tax refunds by direct deposit or cheque.
If you do provide any personal information or fall prey to deceptive telemarketing, you can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.