West Kelowna – At least 20 boats were targeted by suspects who vandalized vessels and stole items from boats moored at the Shelter Bay Marina.

On May 20, 2016 at 10:24 am, the West Kelowna RCMP received a report of a break and enter to the fenced compound of the Shelter Bay Marina. The suspects targeted several boats moored in the marina, committing both mischiefs and thefts from the vessels. Police believe that the break in occurred sometime between midnight and 7 am.

“Our RCMP boat sustained significant damage to its inflatable pontoon,” says Cst. Jesse O’Donaghey, RCMP Spokesperson. “The culprits cut out and removed an approximate 4 foot long chunk of the vessels pontoon, then damaged parts of its electrical components. Thieves then stole emergency safety equipment from the RCMP vessel including personal floatation devices, flares, a set of a binoculars and a police radio,” says O’Donaghey.

“This is very disappointing to the local RCMP detachment, as this senseless act delays the launch of our vessel on the waters of Okanagan Lake,” says Cst. Rolly Williams, West Kelowna RCMP boat coordinator of the First Nations Policing Unit. “Local detachments and communities often depend on the RCMP vessel to respond to calls for service. Now our vessel is dry docked until it can be properly repaired and re stocked,” adds Williams.

The two suspects, a man and a woman, were caught on video surveillance which is being analysed by investigators. The suspect man is described as a Caucasian male, in his late 20’s. The woman suspect is described as a Caucasian Female, in her early 20’s, with blonde hair.