Downtown bank robbed, suspect in custody

Jun 9, 2017 | 12:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — RCMP say an anti-theft device inserted into an envelope of cash helped them track down a bank robber in downtown Kamloops this morning.

The suspect went into the TD Canada Trust at Third Avenue and Victoria Street, demanding cash from the teller.

The envelope of cash he was given contained an anti-theft device, and Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says that, along with a good description from witnesses, allowed officers to track down and identify the suspect quickly.

The man had dropped the envelope of cash a short distance away.

He was arrested in the 300-block of Lansdowne Street.

Shelkie says the anti-theft device was very helpful.

“There are numerous types of anti-theft devices; there are GPS devices and dye packs, and other ones, too. We don’t say which one it is (in this case) because it is possible to bypass them or avoid them.”

An attempted robbery was reported at the A&W restaurant in the 300-block of Lansdowne Street shortly before this robbery, and Shelkie says the same person is suspected in that unsuccessful robbery.

A 25 year old Kamloops man is in custody and facing charges.

Shelkie says he is previously known to police.