After months of saving, Terry Walsh and his family booked a trip to Whistler to check out the future site of the 2010 Winter Games. He didn't know that his dream vacation would turn into a nightmare.
On Monday morning, Walsh of Toronto and his family rented a gray 2005 Mazda 5 at the YVR Vancouver airport. Walsh packed it full of gear and ventured up the Sea to Sky Highway. It was a blue bird sky day and Walsh pulled into Squamish around 2 p.m. to check out the sights.
"We stopped at Save On Foods and decided to go for a walk around Squamish because it was such a beautiful day. I left my coat in the car because it was so warm," Walsh said.
After the walk, the car was gone from the parking lot, leaving Walsh perplexed. He promptly went into the liquor store to find out why his car had been towed, but it hadn't - the car was stolen.
"I never would have through that anything like this would happen. We thought we would be safe in this sleepy little city," Walsh said. "To say I am shocked would be an understatement to describe how we feel."
Walsh swears the doors were locked and he was left helpless because his wallet and identification were in the stolen car.
"Everything I own was stolen. I was able to get a replacement bank card but we are still trying to sort out the rest of our vacation," Walsh said.
Victim Services helped the Walshes get back on the road but so far no suspects have been apprehended and the stolen vehicle was still missing as of Wednesday (Jan. 21). According to the RCMP report, the vehicle contained the driver's wallet with identification and credit cards, a cell phone, computer, ski equipment and multiple articles of personal clothing and contents.
"There seems to have been a rash of car thefts lately in both Squamish and Whistler. We are working to pinpoint who is doing it," said RCMP Cpl. Dave Ritchie.
In the meantime, Walsh said his family is doing their best to enjoy their vacation in Whistler.
"We have been well-attended by the RCMP and we are trying to think of what we can do to pull this vacation together," Walsh said.
