Police officers show kindness to theft victims

A Vernon family victimized by a theft had their day brightened by the kindness of several local RCMP officers.

Police were called to deal with a vehicle stolen from a parking lot of a business in the 4900-block of 27th Street in Vernon on April 6. Officers located the stolen vehicle nearby a short time later.

A 32-year-old woman was later arrested and faces potential criminal charges in relation to the theft.

But now it’s time for the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey used to say.

When police returned the vehicle to the owner, they learned that a number of personal items belonging to the family were still missing. The officers involved in the case decided they wanted to do something to help the young family.

“They took up a collection and together with donations from other officers working at the time, raised enough of their own money to purchase some toys and replace several of the items stolen,” said Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer.

“We did it because we wanted to, not because we had to,” said Constable Joel Kooger, one of the officers involved in organizing the heartwarming gesture. “We just wanted to make the most of the opportunity to make their day better, and to show we really do care.”

As the photo accompanying this article shows, the officers’ kind actions were greeted by a smile.