Industry News
Police are asking residents to be on the lookout after nearly $10,000 worth of search and rescue and avalanche recovery gear was stolen from a vehicle parked outside a hotel on Recplace Drive, Prince George, British Columbia, on April 11. The theft, which occurred overnight in the 2900-block parking lot, has left local authorities concerned about the loss of critical safety equipment and its potential misuse in the community.
Investigators say the stolen items include specialized avalanche beacons, probes, shovels, high-end outerwear, backpacks, ski goggles, and hiking boots. The complete list, released by the Prince George RCMP, features:
– BCA avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel
– Black Diamond 35L backpack (black)
– Oltravox 35L backpack (orange)
– Marker helmet (white) and Solomon helmet (black)
– Arc’teryx men’s and women’s bib snow pants and ski jackets
– 11-8 jacket (dark blue)
– Oboz women’s hiking boots
– Blue duffle bag with personal items
– Climbing skins for skis (yellow)
– Marker and Atomic ski goggles
– Kindle case (burgundy)
Authorities have asked the public to watch for these items on online marketplaces and in local shops. “If anyone in the area noted anything suspicious that evening, or caught anything on their dash camera or cell phone, we ask them to call us to speak with an investigator,” said Corporal Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP.
Police confirmed no surveillance footage from nearby businesses is available, complicating efforts to identify suspects. The investigation remains ongoing, and officers encourage anyone with information to contact the Prince George RCMP non-emergency line at 250-561-3300.
Search and rescue teams, often run by volunteers, rely on specialized gear to respond quickly and safely to the region’s backcountry emergencies. Officials stress the importance of community cooperation in recovering the equipment and preventing further incidents.
Prince George, in central British Columbia, is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering quick access to popular backcountry ski and hiking areas. Notable nearby zones include Sugarbowl-Grizzly Den Provincial Park, with its well-known Raven Lake and Grizzly Den trails, as well as Tabor Mountain and Purden Mountain, both offering accessible ski terrain. Fang Mountain in Evanoff Provincial Park and the Ancient Forest Trail are also popular destinations. The region falls within an active avalanche zone, with Avalanche Canada frequently issuing warnings for the surrounding Northern Rockies, making avalanche awareness crucial for all backcountry users.
