Johnson's Landing slide victims now victimized by thieves
By Castlegar Source
A series of break-and-enters have been perpetrated against Johnson’s Landing homes and outbuilding, including the home where three people died in a landslide eight months ago, according to RCMP Cpl. Shaun Begg.
“On March 17, Kaslo RCMP received a report of a Break and Enter involving four unoccupied buildings in the Johnson’s Landing slide area. The offences are believed to have occurred some time during the past week (Mar 11 – Mar 16). The unknown suspect(s) broke into one residence and a garage, and then navigated their way through slide debris to access two more unoccupied residences on the south side of Johnson’s Landing,” he said.
“The Kaslo RCMP attended the Johnson’s Landing site to speak with local residents and to conduct neighborhood enquiries. However, due to potential slope instability, officers did not personally attend two vacant residences on the south side of the slide. (Warning signs remain in place and the public is cautioned not to go into the area due to the slide risk).”
He said the property on Holmgren Road, where three deceased slide victims were found was targeted, as well, as the suspect(s) broke into an outbuilding and stole an older Toro Ride on mower, a table saw, and an air compressor.
“The property owner of a second residence located on McNichol Road, the other side of the slide, reports that he is missing: a yellow “Moose” snowplow blade for his ATV, assorted hand tools, a twin mattress, 100 Lp’s and 100 45 rpm records, and also an Apple laptop and desktop computer.”
Begg said the owner of the third property on Holmgren Road, also on the other side of the slide, is currently accessing what property was stolen.
“Kalso RCMP are currently reviewing the overall situation with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) and the property owners,” he said. “It is indeed extremely unfortunate that not only were the property owners victimized by the original slide but, eight months later, are victimized again by criminals stealing their property.”
RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in this investigation. Anyone having knowledge of this incident are asked to please contact the Kaslo RCMP at (250) 353-2225 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Callers to Crime Stoppers remain Anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
