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Ashcroft RCMP Blog - October 22nd, 2023

Ashcroft

2023-10-22 16:33 PDT

Welcome to the Ashcroft RCMP Blog.

Through this blog, we are hoping to keep the Ashcroft, Cache Creek, and surrounding communities more informed about our ongoing efforts to serve you all. It will be available through local media outlets as well as through the Ashcroft RCMP Media Website, which can be accessed here.

Recent files of note

Prohibited Driver

On October 20th, Ashcroft RCMP were called to Mesa Vista Court in Ashcroft, where a silver Kia Forte was parked and the driver was seemingly asleep at the wheel and couldn’t be roused. The male driver was roused by police and declined medical assistance. He admitted to driving the vehicle from Kamloops for a friend and it was discovered that the driver was prohibited from driving in BC. He was subsequently arrested and released pending charge approval by Crown. The vehicle was impounded for seven days and also had a Notice and Order issued for defects to the tires and windows, ensuring that the vehicle is roadworthy before it is driven again.

Shoplifting Arrest

On October 14th, a male was caught shoplifting at a business in Ashcroft by staff and was challenged as he left the store. Staff recovered the stolen items before the suspect walked away. Store staff had taken a photo of the suspect and police knew the suspect on sight. The suspect was arrested and released pending charge approval by Crown. Ashcroft RCMP make the following recommendations to store managers and employees when dealing with a shoplifting incident:

Observe the suspect and call police immediately, but do not put yourself between the shoplifter and their exit.
A photograph of a suspect is useful to police, but should only be taken if there is no risk of a suspect reacting aggressively toward you (e.g. from a distance, without their knowledge, etc.).
Maintain and know how to use your store CCTV system - it is standard for police to request a copy of the CCTV video following an incident, so stores with CCTV need to be aware of how to make the video available.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered

On October 14th, a Conservation Officer patrolling the Hat Creek area located a stolen pickup truck and requested assistance from police as the male driver was acting aggressively. Members from Ashcroft and Clinton RCMP detachments attended and identified that, not only was the vehicle stolen but both the driver and passenger had warrants for their arrest. Both suspects were arrested and held in custody. This investigation demonstrated how important partnership and support are in policing as the cooperation of Conservation Services and two RCMP detachments led to a successful and safe outcome.

Thought of the day

The first snowfall of the season is forecast for this week and we all need to be taking steps to stay safe on the roads over the winter months.

Every year, when the weather cools and the community begins to see ground frost and compacted snow on the roadways, Ashcroft RCMP respond to many unnecessary collisions, jack-knifed semi trucks, or just plain and simple inconsiderate driving, that are all avoidable. These traffic issues cause hazardous conditions for everyone and can lead to hefty tow bills or insurance hikes. These combined road conditions and avoidable driving behaviours often result in serious injury or death to those involved.

In order to prepare yourself and your vehicle this winter, Ashcroft RCMP recommend you do the following:

Give yourself more time for journeys. They will take longer.
Drive calmly and defensively.
If you are uncomfortable driving in snow or ice, ask family, a friend, or neighbour to assist you complete any necessary trips.
Ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter-rated tires.
If you drive a truck, make sure you have chains ready to use, know how to use them, and think ahead – is your journey going to take you to high altitude highways of hilly areas where chains are required?
Wear your seatbelt (this should be a no-brainer, but it is surprising how often we see people not wearing their seatbelt. These people always come out the worst for injuries from a collision).
Parents, ensure your teen drivers are aware of these tips and practice defensive driving/vehicle maintenance habits with them.

Lastly, I would like to recommend we all look out for each other over the upcoming season. We can all help support one another and build a stronger community by knowing our neighbourhood and neighbours, and by assisting anyone that my need it.

Have fun and be safe,

Released by:

Cst. Richard Wright
Media Relations Officer
Ashcroft RCMP
Office: 250-453-2216

Email: richard.wright@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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Date modified:: 2023-10-28