Reported suspicious activity leads to three arrests

Three people were taken into custody by police following a report of suspicious activity on 11th Avenue in Vernon early Thursday morning.

On Thursday, December 14th, 2023, shortly before 4 a.m., the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP received a report of three people stealing from a residence in the 1000-block of 11th Avenue in Vernon. Frontline officers quickly moved in and located all three suspects. Two of the individuals were arrested without incident while the third made a run for it and fled from police on foot. Once Police Service Dog Phantom was on scene it didn’t take him long to track the man to his hiding spot where he was eventually taken into custody.

The three individuals are believed to be linked to a recent string of property offences that include theft of vehicles and break and enter to community mailboxes.

We’ll continue to combat property crime but we need the public’s help," states Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. "Lock and remove all valuables from your vehicle and never leave a spare key inside. Put away tools, bikes, and other valuables and make sure doors, windows, sheds, and other outbuildings are locked and secure. Look out for your neighbours and report any suspicious activity immediately and directly to police so we can investigate it.

All three individuals were held in custody and have been released on conditions and are scheduled to appear in court on a future date. Multiple investigations are underway which once complete, will be submitted to the BC Prosecution Service for a full assessment of charges.