Criminal activity frightens Westsyde neighbourhood

Mar 9, 2016 | 11:51 AM

KAMLOOPS — A Westsyde neighbourhood is on high alert after a police take-down outside a home on Sandpiper Driver last night (March 8).

Residents say this is just the latest in a string of recent criminal incidents.

WATCH: Full story by Reporter Jessica Lepp

The Westsyde townhome complex is typically thought of as a safe family neighborhood, but criminal activity stemming from this unit on Sandpiper Drive has residents fearing for their safety.

Kamloops RCMP confirm they arrested two suspects at gunpoint after two long barreled firearms were located in plain view inside a vehicle.

They have been charged with possession of stolen property, unlawful possession of a firearm and theft.

One resident who wanted to remain anonymous for his safety says, “Police told everyone to stay inside until they took care of the problem. Monday night the SWAT team was here taking people out of that home and searching the place. On Thursday or Friday last week police were here taking people out and last weekend they were here again.”

Families on heightened alert say last nights arrest were just one of a string of incidents including drug activity and theft.

“Since the new year there’s been a lot of criminal activity over there with people coming and going. Pretty much everything stolen out of Westsyde ends up in that place. Everyone here has had something stolen from them.”

RCMP say they received numerous complaints related to the residence in February and March.

As a result the Crime Reduction Unit launched an investigation.

On Monday, RCMP arrested a male known to them on a stolen bicycle.

Later on the same day a search warrant was executed on the home where stolen property was located.

Another resident who didn’t want her name made public says, “I came into the neighbourhood thinking it’s a nice family community. There’s lots of kids here, but now with stuff going on, I don’t want my kids to be unsupervised outside. I’m concerned for their welfare. I don’t want anything to happen to them. I don’t feel safe with them being outside because of whats going on.”

Residents are planning a meeting to discuss their legal options and promise to fight for their once family-friendly neighborhood.