Gretzky signed jersey among items stolen from store

A hockey jersey signed by the Great One was among the items stolen during a break in at a sports memorabilia store.

Kelowna RCMP say a suspect broke into Player’s Choice Sport in the 400 block of Cawston Avenue in downtown Kelowna at approximately 2:10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7.

The owners were already on the scene when police arrived.

The initial investigation found the lone suspect allegedly gained access to the store by breaking a window with a hammer. A photo of the suspect has been provided by the police.

The suspect who allegedly broke into Player’s Choice Sports and stole several thousand dollars worth of memorabilia, including a Gretzky signed jersey. (submitted photo/Kelowna RCMP)

Mounties say the the owners are compiling a complete list of the items stolen in the break in, though the most notable item stolen was a signed and numbered Wayne Gretzky Indianapolis Racers jersey.

It’s described as white with red and blue trim and identified as #29/500.

The jersey is valued at $10,000.

The Indianapolis Racers jersey signed by Wayne Gretzky that was stolen during a break in at Player’s Choice Sports. (submitted photo/Kelowna RCMP)

Several boxes of various sports cards valued at approximately $20,000 were also stolen from the business.

“A theft like this causes immense financial harm to a small local business in our community and the RCMP is going to use every investigational tool possible to find and arrest those responsible,” said Const. Mike Della-Paolera media relations officer with the Kelowna RCMP.

Police say the break-in could be heard by others in the neighbourhood, and are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information on the identity and whereabouts of the thief and the stolen merchandise to call the Kelowna RCMP Detachment at 250-762-3300 and reference file number 2023-6904.

People can also file an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers online or at 1-800-222-8477.