CRIME CLIPS: Thefts from vehicles becoming plague

By Michelle Croissant

According to Grand Forks RCMP Staff Sgt. Jim Harrison, thefts from vehicles are continuing to rise and he is concerned that local residents are not taking recent warnings from police seriously enough. "For the most part we have a pretty low crime rate; however, when this type of thing starts happening, people [have] got to pay attention...we've been telling people this for the last couple of months that this is going on and we still keep getting it and people still keep leaving their doors open." 

Harrison said that thefts from vehicles are, “starting to plague us here,” and the police are doing their best to catch the person/persons responsible.  “Anything the public can do to help would be appreciated; like don't leave your cameras, wallets and valuables in your car. As a matter of fact, don't even leave pocket change in your car, because they're stealing all of that type of stuff." As little as a toonie has been stolen out of a car. 

There were eight reports of thefts from vehicles between Nov. 5 and Nov. 8. Items including passports, clothing, keys, bankcards, wallets, driving glasses, USB sticks, and even insurance papers were stolen from vehicles, according to Harrison. He said there have been about 30 similar cases since Aug. 15, “ and it seems to be escalating right now." The thefts are occurring primarily within the City of Grand Forks; there have been no reported cases in Ruckle or any of the rural areas. 

Harrison said all the vehicles have been unlocked. “He [the thief] is not touching the vehicles that are locked, so it's very obvious—you know, at this point—that he's not prepared to do any damage to enter into a vehicle. He's just...taking advantage of what opportunity presents itself by doors being left open, and wallets and purses being left inside cars overnight."

"The bottom line…is,” reiterated Harrison, “please don't leave…anything that's remotely interesting that somebody's going to want to steal, because we do have somebody out there." Police have a suspect in mind and the investigation is continuing; however, if anyone in the general public has any knowledge they would certainly appreciate hearing from them on it, 

 "Yes,” Harrison emphasized, “we are working on it; and yes, we do have a person of interest; but in the meantime, jeez, help us out. Lock your doors and don't leave valuables in your vehicle...we hate to see people victimized. In a perfect world it would be real nice if we could leave everything wide open and not have to worry about it, but right now that's not the case."

Grand Forks driver arrested and charged

On Nov. 6th at 11:40 p.m. a constable on patrol spotted a vehicle travelling without headlights on. Additionally, the back part of the car's hatch was missing and it had expired plates. Consequently, the vehicle was pulled over and it was discovered that the 54-year-old Grand Forks driver had a suspended license and an outstanding warrant for his arrest. 

Rodney Matkovich, who has a long history of driving while prohibited, was charged with driving under suspension and was scheduled to appear in court in Castlegar Nov. 10.

Halloween arson still under investigation, shed fire suspicious

Harrison reported that police are still investigating the Oct. 31 fire at JD Towing yard, but have not made much progress to date. He said there was another fire in a shed Nov.5, around 11 a.m. that is being treated as suspicious, and they are working with the local fire department on the investigation. 

The backyard shed, located at 761 Central Ave.in Grand Forks, was completely consumed by fire. Harrison said the fire department did a great job of keeping the fire from spreading to the rest of the property.

While the Boundary Sentinel endeavors to report on any files of interest to the community, anything under the Mental Health Act cannot be published.