Nelson City Police and the Kootenay Boundary Regional RCMP Detachment are working together to investigate a string of four break and enters that occurred on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning in Nelson and Castlegar.
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.
According to police, it appears a small amount of loose change was stolen from the establishment.
Earlier, at about 12:15 a.m., Nelson City Police responded to a complaint of a break-in at 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. The individual was dressed in a dark jacket with black sweatpants with a large white stripe on each leg and was wearing a balaclava or ski mask.
Police were able to determine the vehicle involved was an older white or grey car – possibly an Audi or Honda product.
In Castlegar, police responded to an alarm at the Thirsty Duck Pub at approximately 2 a.m. 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 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. on Tueday, however, the alarm malfunctioned.
This time, 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 again 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.
“Based on the description, and the guys have looked at the video, there’s no doubt it’s going to be the same person, said Sgt. Sgt. Darryl Little of the Kootenay Boundary Regional RCMP.
He said a short crime spree like this, four incidents in about four hours, is rare.
“It’s been a couple of years since we’ve had something like this.”
While police have video and a description of the suspect, they are still looking for more leads.
“We’re certainly looking for assistance from the public,” said Little.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the RCMP, Nelson City Police or CrimeStoppers.