Police are investigating after 10 deer traps were stolen from a government compound in Cranbrook.
On Sunday, Feb. 9, police were called to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations compound on Industrial Road G in Cranbrook.
"The chain link fence surrounding the compound had been cut," said Cst. Kathy Forgeron.
All 10 clover traps were missing from the yard.
The traps had been transferred to Cranbrook on Feb. 4 from Elkford, where they had been used in the District of Elkford's cull. The traps are the property of the B.C. government and are loaned to municipalities when they receive a permit to cull deer.
Six of the 10 traps were quickly located in bush nearby the compound, but they had been burnt. One trap was found intact. Three others remain missing.
RCMP estimate the total value of the traps as approximately $17,000.
"Those found responsible could face charges of theft over $5,000 and wilful damage," said Cst. Forgeron.
Anyone who has information about this incident is asked to contact Cranbrook RCMP at 250-489-3471 or East Kootenay Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
A cull in Kimberley began on Feb. 1. The City of Kimberley had a permit to cull 30 deer.