Local banks targeted
By Castlegar Source
Police say that a bank robbery (an after-hours ATM) at the Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar is likely related to two other, similar offences in the region. In the Castlegar scenario, on Sept. 10, the ATM was broken into and the contents removed.
At approximately 1:25 a.m. on Sept.14, a report of an alarm was received from a financial institution in Slocan Park. Slocan Lake and Nelson RCMP responded and attended the scene. It was discovered that unknown culprits broke into the Heritage Credit Union on Highway 6,. (Specific details on the method of entry and tools used are not be released to the public at this time).
Following entry thieves attempted, unsuccessfully, to break into the Automated Teller Machine (ATM). Considerable damage occurred to the building and ATM as a result of this offence. Investigators are presently following up to determine if there was any applicable video surveillance as well as comparing information and evidence from the other related crimes in an effort to identify the suspects.
This is the third similar occurrence since Sept. 10. (The previous offence, other than Castlegar, was at the Kootenay Savings Financial Institution ATM (South Slocan). Kootenay Boundary Regional Detachment General Investigation Section and Slocan Lake RCMP are seeking the Public’s assistance for any information regarding this and the other recent offences.
It is likely that the suspects case out the financial institution and ATM or perhaps have some local knowledge, prior to committing the offence. Please immediately report any suspicious persons, vehicles or activities such as individuals taking photos or hanging around Kootenay area Banks, Financial Institutions to police.
“The community is the eyes and ears for “The community is the eyes and ears for the police. I believe the public could be most helpful in assisting in our investigation. Information regarding suspicious persons and activities could be potentially very valuable in solving these crimes as well preventing other crimes from occurring,” said Staff Sgt. Dan Seibel.
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