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Vandalism in West Kelowna: Community on High Alert
A worrying series of vandalism incidents has left residents in a West Kelowna neighborhood feeling anxious and unsettled. One couple, Jody and Mike German, expressed their concerns over the disturbances, as their home has been specifically targeted multiple times in recent weeks.
“We’re very scared,” Jody German explained. “We cannot go to sleep and when we do manage to doze off, we’re quickly awake, watching our cameras.” The Germans, who reside on Pinot Noir Drive near the Mission Hill winery, have faced this troubling situation firsthand.
In the span of just one month, their property has been struck three times by a suspect throwing heavy rocks, with each stone weighing nearly 10 pounds. Surveillance footage from the incidents has revealed a dark sedan, potentially a black Chrysler 200, arriving at their home just before the attacks.
The recorded videos showcase a hooded figure who approaches the house and violently throws a substantial rock at their window, leaving soon after. Notably, during one episode, the individual even paused to glance at the camera before smashing the window.
Community Concerns Grow
“We don’t know who it is,” Mike said. “We are relatively new to the area and have no known enemies.” Despite their fears of being specifically targeted, it has become evident that the vandalism is not limited to the German’s home alone. Various vehicles and additional homes nearby have fallen victim to similar attacks, all noted to involve the same sedan.
Another local resident, Blair Penney, shared his observation regarding a friend’s home, which had also been vandalized. “They tried to throw a rock through the window but it wouldn’t break, so they grabbed another rock and tried again, moving around the house to break more windows,” he recounted.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are actively investigating the string of vandalism incidents and are urging residents in the area to review their surveillance footage for any sign of the suspect vehicle, which could provide vital information regarding its movements and possibly lead to identifying the license plate.
Jody and Mike German urge their neighbors to heed the police’s advice and stay vigilant. “This isn’t just our problem; it’s a community issue,” Jody remarked. She emphasized the urgency for swift action to prevent these incidents from escalating and potentially resulting in physical harm. Mike echoed her sentiment, stating, “That’s the next concern, and it’s an obvious concern. What is the next level?”
Source
globalnews.ca