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(ROB MUNRO / iNFOnews.ca)

Many residential properties have lockboxes outside for the fire department to use in case of an emergency, and in Kelowna, they’ve been compromised on 16 separate occasions.

Kelowna RCMP was contacted about the matter by the Kelowna Fire Department on March 10, according to an RCMP press release. The fire department began receiving reports of damaged lockboxes and stolen keys in February.

Lockboxes contain keys for firefighters to gain easier access to a building.

Upon investigation, the 16 incidents were a result of nine damaged boxes and seven with keys stolen. The incidents happened at buildings in the areas of Rutland, Springfield and Quail Ridge.

“We are working closely with our partners at the Kelowna Fire Department,” Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Tammy Lobb said in the release.

“We encourage property managers to check their lockboxes for signs of tampering and if access has been gained, report it to the fire department as well as police. If you see anyone accessing the fire lockboxes, ask them for identification. Both fire department personnel and locksmiths will carry identification. Non-authorized persons should be reported to the RCMP immediately”.

One of the reports received by the fire department was issued on March 8, when “an unknown male suspect” was seen tampering with a lockbox on a residential building on Houghton Road between 8 and 9 a.m. The suspect was apparently well dressed and greeted people who walked by.

“The fire lockboxes are not owned by the fire department, they are owned by the buildings,” Paul Johnson, Kelowna Fire Department fire prevention officer said in the press release.

“The Kelowna Fire Department in partnership with the Kelowna RCMP, is sending a letter to property owners of buildings, advising that specific lockboxes have been subject to damage. The letter includes information about how to update the locks on their existing lockbox, where to purchase a new lockbox and tips on how to enhance security to reduce unauthorized entry."

Anyone who may have information regarding these acts of mischief and thefts is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP by calling 250-762-3300. To remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net.

RCMP have shared a map of the areas where lockboxes have been compromised. 

RCMP shared a map showing where buildings have recently had lockboxes tampered with in Kelowna.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/RCMP

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