A spike in shoplifting and a vehicle theft in Salmon Arm kept RCMP busy throughout February, with several incidents targeting local businesses.
Police said grocery stores were hit repeatedly over the month. On Feb. 23, officers arrested a 39-year-old woman after she was caught on surveillance video leaving a store with a bag of unpaid groceries. She was charged with theft under $5,000, denied bail and remains in custody.
In a separate incident days earlier, two women were arrested after a theft at a local liquor store turned confrontational. RCMP said an employee was pushed as the suspects took two bottles of Grey Goose vodka. One of the women later told police the vodka had been stolen from her. The case has been forwarded to the B.C. Prosecution Service for charge approval.
Police are also reminding residents and businesses to secure vehicles after a delivery truck was stolen from a grocery store on Feb. 12. RCMP said the vehicle had been left running and unattended with the keys inside. It was later found behind a Walmart.
Surveillance footage helped police identify a 39-year-old woman leaving the vehicle and entering the store. She was arrested the following day and released on conditions.
RCMP said the incidents highlight the need for businesses to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
