RCMP release more details in Cache Creek jade boulder caper

Surveillance video showed a pickup truck and flat-deck trailer as the suspect vehicles in the heist of the 1.4-ton boulder.

In a news release, Ashcroft RCMP say they have pieced together the sequence of events from the night of the theft.

At about 9:45 p.m. that night, the truck and trailer, which was loaded with a small excavator, were seen at a hotel parking lot next to the gift shop.

At about 11:05 p.m., a man drives the truck to the shop. The excavator is used to load the jade boulder onto the trailer.

The truck leaves the scene at about 11:50 p.m. It is seen driving eastbound along the Trans Canada Highway toward Kamloops.

RCMP say the rig was later seen turning around on Deadman Vidette Road west of Savona, about 32 kilometres off of the Trans Canada Highway. Kamloops RCMP later found the trailer abandoned there, empty of the boulder and excavator.

On Monday, Chase RCMP located an abandoned pickup truck believed to be the one used in the theft. Once again, the boulder and excavator were nowhere to be seen.

RCMP say the boulder, valued at between $20,000 and $50,000 would be difficult to hide.

“The police are following up on several investigational avenues but hope the public can help,” said Sgt. Darren Angman of Ashcroft RCMP in the release.

Anyone with more information on the theft is asked to contact Ashcroft RCMP at (250) 453-2216 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.

by James Peters

RCMP release more details in Cache Creek jade boulder caper

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