‘Senseless’ vandalism in Barnhartvale
Kamloops Mounties are looking for tips from the public after what they are deeming another “senseless” crime spree — this time in Barnhartvale.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Grant Learned said police are investigating four incidents in the east Kamloops community, all of which were reported on Tuesday, March 27.
“These are the types of things that are very, very troublesome and very problematic to the homeowners,” he said.
“It’s senseless and it makes them feel victimized.”
Learned said calls started coming in at about 8:40 a.m., when employees at R.L. Clemitson elementary reported finding vandalism.
The vandals gained access to the school’s roof and tossed roofing material onto the ground, causing an estimated $1,000 in damage.
At about the same time, the owner of a Barnhartvale store called Mounties to say his business had been broken into overnight.
In that instance, Learned said, the thieves gained access to the store through a side window, making off with about $40 in cash and a number of credit cards.
Also stolen was the store’s cash register and cash box, but those were recovered a short distance away and are now being examined for clues.
Just after 1:30 p.m., a homeowner in Barnhartvale called police to report his house, which is unoccupied as it undergoes extensive renovations, had been broken into and vandalized.
Learned said the culprits gained access through a side door, which had been locked.
“Once inside, the vandals sprayed drywall adhesive and oil from space heaters onto the wall and flooring,” he said.
“The damage caused by these contaminants could not be cleaned up and all the construction material now has to be replaced.”
The homeowner’s insurance does not cover the damages.
Also shortly after 1:30 p.m., police were called by Kamloops Fire Rescue crews who were battling a suspicious grass fire in the 1000-block of Lamar Place.
The blaze came close to a home in the area, but no property was damaged.
Learned said area homeowners were lucky the fire was knocked down so quickly.
“The brush and grass areas are very, very dry,” he said.
“It would take nothing for a fire like that to get out of control.”
The crime spree follows a similar incident last week in North Kamloops, in which dozens of windows were smashed and playground equipment damaged in an overnight wave of destruction.
In both instances, Learned said, police are hoping tips from the public will lead to the culprits.
Call police at 250-828-3000 if you have information.
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