Squamish RCMP are investigating another series of incidents involving damage to trees along recreational trails in and around the community.
The most recent incident was reported to police on Monday (April 2) at around 9:30 a.m., RCMP Sgt. Wayne Pride said in a statement. Two trees along the Mamquam Spawning Channel trails, near Squamish Valley Golf and Country Club, had been damaged -one cut down and one partly cut.
This is the fifth similar incident of illegal tree cutting in recent weeks.
"This illegal cutting of trees is very serious, both legally and public safety-wise," Pride said. "The negligent and inexperienced suspect(s) are creating dangerous situations for themselves and others. The damage caused to the trees can result in them potentially falling on innocent and unsuspecting people.
"Police are advising anyone out in our many trails to be wary and report any damages to trees or suspicious activity observed."
To report suspicious activity, please phone Squamish RCMP at (604) 892-6100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Surrey girl missing
Police are seeking the public's help in locating a missing 12-year-old Surrey girl who may be in the Squamish area.
Jamie-Leah Prohl was last seen on the evening of March 27 before going to bed at her home. She is Caucasian, 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 115 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair with purple highlights down to just below her jaw line. She also has a scar from a dog bite on her right cheek. Police believe she may have been going to the Squamish area, but no destination was given.
Two found guilty
Squamish residents James Raccio and Michael Bears were found guilty of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking on Monday (April 2) in North Vancouver Court. The charge stems from the seizure of 10 ounces of cocaine by Squamish RCMP in April 2009. The two are to be sentenced in July, Pride said.
Mail stolen
Mail was stolen from 11 mailboxes and several other mailboxes were vandalized in two apparently separate incidents last week in Valleycliffe.
Police received a report that several mailboxes had been tampered with in the 38200 block of Westway Avenue, but no access had been gained. The following day, a report from a location nearby indicated that 11 boxes had been accessed and mail stolen. Police believe the incidents occurred on the evenings before the reports coming in, Pride said.
Whistler resident nabbed
Last Wednesday (March 28), police responding to a report of an assault at a home in the 1000 block of Wilson Crescent found that the complainant's vehicle had been taken by the suspect after the alleged assault. A 26-year-old resident, who is known to the victim, was arrested. Investigation is ongoing.
Man faces breach charge
Also last Wednesday, at around 8 p.m., a female reported that she had been approached by a male and assaulted. A 26-year-old Squamish man was arrested. The man is being charged with breach of conditions in relation to a previous assault against the same person. The man was ordered to have no contact with the female after that incident.
Bikes, board stolen
Two mountain bikes and a snowboard were stolen in two separate incidents last week. On Wednesday (March 28), a 21-speed Kona Stinky Deluxe, green, valued at approximately $2,500, was reported stolen from the yard of a home in the 40000 block of Government Road last Wednesday. The bike had been left in the yard unlocked, Pride said.
Also on March 28, police received a report that two bikes had been stolen from inside the garage of a home in the 41000 block of Tantalus Road after the garage door was left open. Stolen were a green and yellow, 16-speed men's Rocky Mountain bike worth about $1,200 and a white and green Burton 156 snowboard valued at $600.
