? On Aug. 19 a residence in the 1600 Block of Douglas St was broken into. A small amount of personal items was stolen. The residence was entered between 2:30 – 7:30 p.m. while the homeowners were away. Police are reminding the public to be vigilant in their neighborhood and to report anything suspicious.
? On Aug. 20 Merritt RCMP investigated a report of theft of fuel from an excavator and damage to a storage container near the Penask Summit. The theft and damage occurred sometime between Aug. 17 and 19, 2012. If anyone saw anything suspicious, they are asked to call the Merritt RCMP or Crimestoppers.
? On Aug. 20 Merritt RCMP were advised that an RV was broken into while parked in the homeowner’s driveway. The break and enter occurred sometime between Aug. 10 and 20. Entry was gained by breaking a door lock. Items stolen include electronics (TV, DVD player, camera, iPod and home entertainment center) as well as kitchen items, Z- Gravity lounge chairs, barbeque with folding stand, ceramic hair straightener and electric shaver. If anyone has any information, they are asked to call Merritt RCMP or Crimestoppers.
? On Aug. 20 Merritt RCMP responded to a report of three native males aggressively panhandling in the 2100 Block of Quilchena Ave. Although a description of the males was provided, extensive patrols in the downtown core failed to locate the males.
? On Aug. 21 Merritt RCMP responded to a citizen’s complaint of a man with a bat in the 1800 Block of Chapman St. Extensive investigation and witness accounts resulted in the identification of a suspect. It was also determined that a criminal offence had not occurred and there were no arrests made.
? On Aug. 22, at approximately 1 a.m., Merritt RCMP responded to a citizen’s complaint of an assault in the 1400 Block of Government St. A 20-year-old local woman had been assaulted by a 20-year-old local male. The male was arrested and held in custody until he was sober. He was released from police custody and will appear in Provincial Court in October. As a condition of his release several conditions have been placed on his behavior: No contact with the victim; no alcohol or drugs.
? On Aug. 22, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Merritt RCMP were dispatched to a complaint of an intoxicated male trying to shoplift from a local business in the 2000 Block of Quilchena Ave. A 42-year-old man, identified as Frank McDermott, was located in a local business wearing new clothing. He had removed the tags and attempted to leave the store but was stopped by store staff. McDermott was subsequently remanded in custody until his court appearance on Aug. 27.
