'It's disheartening': $11K worth of gear stolen from search and rescue crew in B.C. Interior
A search and rescue group in B.C.'s Interior is asking the public to keep an eye out for several pieces of equipment that were recently stolen from them.
Quesnel Search and Rescue shared news of the theft on its social media accounts on Thursday, along with photos of some of the gear that was taken and a surveillance image of a suspect.
Bob Zimmerman, president of the Quesnel Search and Rescue Society, told CTV News Vancouver the stolen items include two rope rescue kits, three bags of rope and six portable radios with backup batteries for each one.
"It's over $11,000 in value, so it's going to have an effect on us for replacing it all," Zimmerman said. "We do have insurance. I have not spoken to the insurance company yet."
He said he hopes members of the public will contact Quesnel RCMP if they see any of the items, all of which are specialized equipment for search and rescue teams and not especially useful to the general public.
"It's disheartening to see someone that's willing to do such a thing against a non-profit society that's here to help the public," Zimmerman said.
The theft won't stop Quesnel Search and Rescue from responding to calls, but it could limit the number of teams the society can send into the field, according to Zimmerman. That, in turn, could endanger the lives of people who need help.
Like many search and rescue organizations in the Lower Mainland, Quesnel Search and Rescue has had a busy year, Zimmerman said.
"So far this year, we've had 12 callouts, which I know may sound low to some large communities," he said.
In addition to asking the public to be on the lookout for the missing gear, Zimmerman is calling on the thief to do the right thing and return it.
"It's very frustrating to me that someone would even contemplate doing that," he said. "They're not thinking about society at all, only about themselves."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.