Midway RCMP has confirmed a string of vehicle thefts in the area today, and is advising motorists to be cautious when picking up hitchhikers.
Cpl. Philip Crack of the Midway RCMP outlined a string of calls this morning dealing with vehicle theft issues, spanning three RCMP detachments and multiple vehicles.
“At approximately 6:30 a.m. this morning members from Grand Forks RCMP responded to a report of a vehicle collision in the Christina Lake area. When they got there they found the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Cranbrook, and there was no one [at the scene],” Crack said.
Shortly after at 8 a.m., Crack said Midway RCMP responded to a vehicle theft in Rock Creek at the PetroCan station.
“The person had picked up hitchhikers from the collision scene at Christina Lake,” Crack said. “When he went inside to pay they took his truck.”
The investigation has moved into the Osoyoos area and there is no danger to the public in the area at this time. However, the RCMP is cautioning residents to be careful with hitchhikers and at collision scenes.
The Oliver RCMP detachment is currently handling the case and has not commented at this time.