Since March of 2012, the business owners in Cranbrook have been targeted by unknown persons breaking into their establishments. Although the methods of entering the businesses have varied, the consistent target has been cash. The Cranbrook RCMP has dedicated the resources of the General Investigation Section (GIS) to identify and charge the person or persons responsible.

Because of this, Cst. Renee Dzilums wrote the following letter to address the concerns of business owners.

“As you know, Cranbrook has had a rash of break and enters throughout the city within the last few months. Police are aware of the concerns you as business owners have and I can assure you that we are doing what we can to try and prevent future break and enters.

To date, it appears that there is more than one person is responsible for the break and enters. The methods of entering the businesses have varied, but the consistent target has been cash.

Our office has conducted surveillance on persons of interest, made patrols in unmarked police vehicles, and have had bike patrols in order to catch the person(s) responsible in the act. Citizens on Patrol are aware of the increase of the break and enters and always keep an eye out for suspicious activity when conducting patrols of the city.

There has been blood seized, fingerprints found, and foot impressions have been left behind at various businesses. The evidence seized is analyzed in order to identify the suspects. There are a few businesses that have caught a suspect on video, however the suspect has been covered which makes identifying them harder.

The Cranbrook RCMP has dedicated the resources of the General Investigation Section (GIS) to identify and charge the person or persons responsible.

You can direct any questions or concerns you may have regarding the break and enters to me, Cst. Renee Dzilums, at (250)489-3471.”

It is believed that there is knowledge in the community as to who the perpetrators(s) are in these crimes and ask that they call the Cranbrook RCMP or Crimestoppers.

Crimestoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of these persons.

Cranbrook RCMP (250)489-3471 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

You can also Google “Cranbrook Crimestoppers” and leave a webtip.