Two break-ins at the Cowichan Lake Education Centre and Lakeview Campground have left the centre without much needed equipment.
“One of our staff was arriving early for work and saw a vehicle drive out,” Dalton Smith told Lake Cowichan town council on July 16. “The employee didn’t realize at that moment that a robbery was in progress but did see that the centre’s new aluminum utility trailer was loaded up with stuff, all kinds of equipment.”
That loss is probably valued at $12,000, he said.
“The following week, at Lakeview Park, we had another break-in. We had the Gator stolen. The police think they were probably seasoned thieves,” Smith said, estimating the John Deere Gator utility vehicle at about $22,000.
In hindsight, employees have guessed that there was a lookout truck by the highway, because of the smooth way the robbery was carried out. The police have received all the information and are looking into both incidents, he said, adding that it was “frustrating” because “we have to wait so long to get these things.”
Among the items taken were a new aluminum trailer, a generator, a pressure washer, power saws, a backpack leaf blower, and various expensive tools as well as the John Deere Gator utility truck. If anyone has any information, please send a direct message to Aislinn Ferris on Facebook.
A cash reward may be offered upon successful recovery of some items.