Kamloops RCMP say a recent four day ‘bait bike’ enforcement program resulted in eight men being arrested.
All eight men are from Kamloops, and they face a total of 23 charges including theft, and possession of property obtained by crime.
“In situations like this, we conduct the criminal investigation but we also seek to understand who these people are and why they are offending,” said Staff Sgt. Simon Pillay, in a release. “None of the eight suspects are homeless. Most of those involved are known participants in the drug scene, either as an addict, user or both. One has recently been convicted of drug trafficking and is pending sentencing.”
One of the suspects (Suspect 8) had just been married earlier in the day, and was heading to this wedding reception when he was arrested. Police allege the man made time to cut the lock and steal the bike, which was recovered in his vehicle. Police say he was also driving on a prohibited licence, and was ‘well dressed for conducting a bike theft’.
“The Kamloops Crime Reduction Unit will continue to pursue active property offenders using innovative tactics on a regular basis,” added Cpl. Steve Davidson of the Crime Reduction Unit. “These crimes affect many citizens in our community, we take them seriously and we will continue to do everything we can to stop these trends.”
RCMP say all of the information will be forwarded to Crown Counsel who will formally determine charges.
Suspects Arrested:
Suspect 1: 43-year-old man from Kamloops. Arrested for theft and possess property obtained by crime.
Suspect 2: 39-year-old man from Kamloops. Arrested for possess property obtained by crime and trespass by night.
Suspect 3: 28-year-old man from Kamloops. Arrested for theft, possess property obtained by crime and obstruct police.
Suspect 4: 45-year-old man from Kamloops. Arrested for theft and possess property obtained by crime.
Suspect 5: 32-year-old man from Kamloops. Arrested for theft, possess property obtained by crime, obstruct police, trespass by night and mischief.
Suspect 6: 33-year-old man from Kamloops. Arrested for possess controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance. (The drugs are suspected to be methamphetamine, fentanyl and heroin.)
Suspect 7: 45-year-old man from Kamloops. Arrested for theft, possess property obtained by crime and possess break in tools.
Suspect 8: 41-year-old man from Kamloops. Arrested for theft, possess property obtained by crime and drive while prohibited.
