Whitehorse RCMP recovered a stolen camera and returned it to its owner after a theft from a vehicle.
In the morning of April 25, 2024, Whitehorse RCMP received a call of a theft that had taken place overnight. A significant amount of photography equipment was taken from a car that had been parked since the previous day on a street in a residential neighbourhood. The owner was able to provide important details, including brands, models, and specific descriptors, of the stolen items.
Later in the day, police received a call of a suspicious person who was in possession of a distinctive camera. Upon investigation, police were able to positively identify the camera as the one stolen from the vehicle. It was seized and police were able to return it and other stolen items to their rightful owner.
Cpl. Sam Anderson, Whitehorse RCMP acting operations support NCO, notes that this file demonstrates the great police work that Whitehorse RCMP does on a regular basis, as well as tactics that the public can easily apply to help solve a crime.
"Investigating officers were able to make connections between what initially appeared to be two unrelated files, a theft and a suspicious person. Their follow ups ensure that they obtained the grounds to seize the stolen items so they could go back to their owner," say Cpl. Anderson. "In addition to the work that the officers did, the information from the caller about the stolen items was a valuable part of the investigation. When we have serial numbers, labels, brands, model numbers, even information on specific damage or marks, we can more easily link thefts or break and enters to items that may later be recovered. It's very easy to snap a photo on your phone of the serial number when you purchase a new item."
Police appreciate assistance from the member of the public who called in about the suspicious circumstances that lead to the recovery of this camera. Anyone who wants to remain anonymous while providing information to police is encouraged to reach out Crime Stoppers at crimestoppersyukon.ca or by phone at 1 (800) 222-8477.