No reports of looting to Merritt RCMP

Many Merritt residents expressed concern for possible looting in the city when the evacuation order was put in place almost three weeks ago. Throughout the evacuation, the Merritt RCMP have been patrolling the devastated areas with double their normal contingent of officers and can report no reports of looting.

“We have no reports of looting throughout this entire flood, which speaks volumes to the effort the city and our police officers put into keeping the city secure,” said Sgt. Josh Roda, Merritt RCMP.

The detachment has responded to a few reports of break and enters.

“We have had three reports recently of break and enters, where homes in the heavily hit areas were found insecure. Food had been taken from fridges and the toilets had been used by the offenders,” said Roda. “Nothing of significant value was taken.”

Roda said police believe the offenders were residents of Merritt.

“We believe the offenders are residents that refused to leave community and took advantage of their neighbours, who left. There is no doubt that if all residents had followed the rules this would not have happened,” added Roda.