Robberies provoke police into public warning
By Kyra Hoggan
Three separate businesses in Castlegar have been robbed of counter-top donation boxes in recent weeks, according to RCMP Const. Jeremy Knight.
Knight said police have identified the suspect in one such case, and have leads in the investigation of the other two. “Some businesses chain the donation boxes down, or even glue them to the counter, but that’s not always possible,” he said, explaining that businesses need to remain wary. “The organizations which receive these donations really need them.” Knight notified area chambers of commerce, which then notified their membership, of the crimes in hopes of putting businesses on their guard. M&M Meat Shoppes owner David Grantham was robbed of a donation box for Crohns & Colitis Foundation of Canada, and he said the incident was disheartening. “I’m disappointed that someone would sink to low as to take money earmarked for a worthy cause,” he said. “We’ll put out a new box, but from now on, we’ll empty it every night. It’s only worth stealing if it’s allowed to accumulate for awhile.”
Anyone with information regarding these robberies is encouraged to contact the Castlegar RCMp detachment at 250-365-7721.
