Forestry companies and businesses in the Alberni Valley may have taken a break over Christmas, but thieves did not. Port Alberni RCMP responded to nine reports of break and enters over the holiday season, including several to forestry businesses on Franklin River Road.
On Monday, Dec. 24, a B and E was reported from the Link Mill Site on Franklin River Road. Several hand tools were stolen out of a truck and from heavy duty machinery on the site.
On Friday, Dec. 28, a second B and E along Franklin River Road was reported from the Western Forest Products site. A building was entered sometime overnight where a large wheeled tool box was taken. The tool box was later recovered in Port Alberni when someone reported finding it and turned it over to police, Port Alberni RCMP media liaison officer Cpl. Amelia Hayden said.
On Monday, Dec. 31, the third break-in was reported from the same general area, along with the theft of a truck. Suspects had broken into two buildings and three c-cans and stole a Ford F350 pickup truck which was later recovered a short distance away. Numerous tools and equipment were stolen from the business.
Over the holidays police also responded to reports of break and enters at three other businesses in town and three homes. Thieves also targeted the security cameras at the Co-Op gas stations.
Anyone with any information on any of these crimes is asked to call the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424 or Alberni Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).