Prince George RCMP are investigating 10 reports of vandalism against five local churches and have released images caught on surveillance cameras from three of the reports.
Here's a look:
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 887 Patricia Blvd:
June 8: Frontline members received a report of two people tampering with the video surveillance at this location. Police conducted patrols in the area but were unable to locate any suspects. Police are looking for any witnesses to the event. PG RCMP file 2021-20293
June 30: Police received a report that the key fob scanner on the outside of the church was broken during the evening. Police are looking for any witnesses to this event. PG RCMP file 2021-23983
Image of a suspect from a July 5 incident at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. By RCMP handout photo
Image of a suspect from a July 5 incident at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. By RCMP handout photo
July 3: Frontline members received a report of mischief in progress at approximately 10:30 p.m. A witness viewed a man breaking plant pots outside of the church. Police attended but were unable to locate a suspect. Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the person in above photo. PG RCMP file 2021-24179
July 5: Police received a report of a person pulling down a surveillance camera at this location and then leaving with the camera. Frontline members viewed the surveillance footage and recognized the suspect. The Prince George RCMP’s Investigative Services Team will be recommending charges of Theft Under $5000 against the suspect.PG RCMP file 2021-24475
Image of a suspect from a July 22 incident at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. By RCMP handout photo
Image of a suspect from a July 22 incident at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. By RCMP handout photo
Image of a suspect from a July 22 incident at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. By RCMP handout photo
July 22: Investigators responded to a report of another surveillance camera theft. In this instance, three male suspects were visible on the images above. The first is wearing a ball cap, black pants and a dark jacket. The second is wearing a long sleeved shirt, black pants and carrying a backpack. The third is wearing a sleeveless red shirt, black pants and has an Adidas bag with a sleeping mat tucked into it. PG RCMP file 2021-27178
July 4: Prince George Fire Services requested assistance from Prince George RCMP at a structure fire at this location. Minimal damage to the outside of the building, however, police are treating this as an act of arson. Police are looking for any witnesses to this event. PG RCMP 2021-24207
Knox United Church, 1448 5th Avenue
Image of suspects from a July 7 incident at Knox United Church. By RCMP handout photo
Image of a suspect from a July 7 incident at Knox United Church. . By RCMP handout photo
July 7: Police received a report that a suspect sprayed flammable liquid on the side of the church and spray-painted Every Child Matters
in the alley behind the building. Prince George Fire Services attended the scene and sprayed down the liquid, which appeared to be motor oil. Police obtained surveillance video of the suspect and are looking for the public’s help in identifying the people in the above photos. PG RCMP file 2021-24690
July 8: During a church meeting between 3:30 and 4:45 p.m., one or more people came to the locked doors of the church, banged on the doors, and shouted, We know you are in there, we know what you did
. Video surveillance is pending. PG RCMP file 2021-24950
St. Michael’s Anglican Church, 1505 5th Avenue
July 20: Police received a report of a man behind the church lighting some material on fire near the back doors. Investigators are looking for any witnesses to this incident. PG RCMP file 2021-26999
St. Mary’s Parish, 1088 Gillet Street
July 26: Investigators are looking into an act of arson that occurred during the night. Someone placed two containers filled with gasoline near a wall of the building and lit them on fire. In addition, someone lit a one-litre oil container on fire and threw it at the building, which caused the side of the church to catch on fire. The rain in the evening quickly put out the flames, leaving only a small amount of damage. Police are looking to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident. PG RCMP file 2021-27827
We are asking for the public’s assistance in keeping an eye out for any unusual activity around churches and other places of worship and to call 911 if they see anything suspicious,
said Prince George RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.
Anyone with information on the incidents or suspects are asked to contact Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300.
You can also anonymously contact Northern B.C. Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477 or online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca (English only). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers and if you provide information that leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property, you could be eligible for a cash reward.
