Williams Lake and the surrounding rural communities have had several property crime offenders arrested and charged. Since the beginning of December 2019, officers of the Williams Lake RCMP have targeted 15 known offenders for offences related to property, violence or non compliance of bail conditions in efforts to reduce increasing property crime rates. To date, 57 charges have either been recommended or approved by Crown Counsel regarding known property offenders. 48 of these charges have been as a direct result of the operational plan executed by the General Duty Uniform Section and the Cariboo Chilcotin Crime Reduction Unit specifically targeting property offenders.
Some of these offenders currently remain in custody while others are being monitored closely on strict conditions. 9 additional charges have been identified against other offenders not related to this plan but occurred during the property crime initiative. An outline of some of the charges being approved or recommended to date are as follows:
On December 7th, 2019, officers checked a pedestrian wearing dark clothing and a balaclava on 3rd Avenue North, Williams Lake. This offender had provided a false name and was later determined to be in breach of a current curfew condition. As a result, Cody Jerome, has been charged with breaching a Recognizance and is on strict conditions. The RCMP and Community Corrections continue to monitor these conditions for complaince.
On December 9th, 2019, a stolen vehicle was located and found to be occupied with two known offenders being arrested. Charges of possession of stolen property and possession of stolen credit card have been approved against Nicholas Ivany and a charge of possessing a prohibited device has been approved by James Nelson.
James Nelson’s next court appearance is January 29th, 2020 and Nicholas Ivany’s next court appearance is March 18th, 2020.
On December 10th, 2019, a suspect committed a theft from a vehicle at his residence in the 1100 block of 2nd Avenue North, Williams Lake. The suspect had later been identified and arrested for possession of stolen credit cards and is currently on conditions. The offender’s next court date is February 26th, 2020.
On December 14th, 2019, a curfew check was being conducted of a known offender and another offender was found at this location. The offender’s identity was known and he was arrested resulting in him being possession of a weapon contrary to a court order. Donovan Boyd was subsequently charged with Failing to Comply with a Recognizance and currently remains in custody.
On December 18th, 2019, three males were checked for being unlawfully on the railway checks. One offender was determined to be untruthful about his identity to officers and provided a false name. The offender was subsequently arrested for an outstanding warrant and obstruction of justice by providing a false identity. This offender is well known to police with their next court appearance slated for February 12th, 2020.
On December 21st, 2019, the RCMP conducted a search warrant on a rural property for a stolen vehicle. The investigation resulted in the recovery of the vehicle, a prohibited firearm and ammunition. The accused, Derrick O’Connor was arrested and charged with Possession of Stolen Property over $5000 and four firearm offences. Derrick O’Connor appeared in court and was subsequently released on a court order with strict conditions that continued to be enforced by the police.
On December 28th, 2019, the RCMP conducted a pro-active traffic stop of a vehicle in a rural community. The investigation identified Derrick O’Connor as the driver and in breach of conditions. Derrick O’Connor was arrested and charged with prohibited driving and Breach of his Recognizance. Derrick O’Connor remains in custody pending his next court appearance on multiple charges from several different investigations. Property offences, weapons offences, drug trafficking and violence all remain strategic priorities in targeting offenders responsible for this type of behavior.
We remain dedicated to holding these offenders accountable within our court system to enhance community safety. The public is reminded to report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood and the current reports of events and suspected offences have contributed to a collaborative effort in identifying new areas or offenders that may be trying to change their methods. In addition, owners of vehicles are reminded to remove all valuables from their vehicles such as identification, credit cards, cash, cell phones, vehicle keys and any other property that may be enticing for criminals. The RCMP assure the public that we will continue to be diligent in targeting known and unknown property offenders through out the Cariboo Chilcotin Region.
If you have any information about any offences in relation to stolen property, the public is asked to contact the Williams Lake RCMP at (250) 392-6211 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477
