A group dedicated to expanding recreational opportunities has experienced a setback.
The North Okanagan Cycling Society’s trailer at DCT Chambers on Middleton Way was broken into over the last three weeks. Thieves got away with about $4,500 worth of tools and two barbecues.
“It’s saddening that members of our community chose a volunteer-based organization to steal from,” said Edward Callendar, NOCS vice-president, adding the theft was discovered Saturday.
“It will take a lot of fundraising to replace this equipment, so we are hoping the public can help us locate these items.”
After smashing the lock off the door, the thieves proceeded to take a chainsaw (Stihl MS192TC), serial #299214020, a brush saw (Stihl FS85R), serial #279774654, five sets of protection gear, various trail building hand tools, a Dakine backpack and two red barbecues.
“Most of the equipment will have NOCS written on it somewhere,” said Dudley Coulter, society spokesperson.
“Whether or not they (thieves) will be able to remove the writing is a different story.”
The trailer was donated to NOCS earlier this year, and was an effort to increase trail building in the community. The two barbecues are used to host weekly Thursday night toonie rides.
“It is unlikely these items will end up in local sales, so the public is encouraged to keep their eyes open regionally,” said Coulter.
Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call the Vernon RCMP and quote file #16-24684.
To learn more about NOCS or to donate, visit www.okcycling.com.