Charges laid in armed robbery investigation

A shutdown of Highway 97 at Noranda Road saw two armed robbery suspects arrested on Wednesday, but the investigation is continuing.

Investigators have confirmed the vehicle that the two suspects were in was reported stolen to Quesnel RCMP on July 11. Following the arrests of the two suspects, two firearms were seized at the scene as well.

The BC Prosecution Service has approved charges against 41-year-old Jamie Hal Hammerstrom of Hixon, and 33-year-old John Robert Craig of Dawson Creek:

• Break and enter to steal a firearm
• Disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle (2 counts)
• Possession of a firearm without a licence

Hammerstrom has also been charged with additional Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act offences:

• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• Possession of a firearm or ammunition while prohibited (3 counts)
• Possession of a controlled substance

Both accused appeared in court on July 18 and were remanded in custody until their next court date scheduled for Wednesday, July 24.

The residence on Mountainview Road has been the target of two previous break and enters this year.  Police received the first report on May 9 during the mid-afternoon. Three firearms and an extensive list of other items were stolen, along with a pick-up truck.  The truck was located in Vernon, BC and a 27-year-old Prince George man was arrested as a result. Although charges have not yet been approved, the investigation is continuing. The property was again broken into on the afternoon of Thursday, June 27, however, it appears that nothing was stolen. The audible alarm likely scared off culprits.

Police encourage all property owners to acquire quality video surveillance and take the necessary steps to secure and protect their property. Ensure your property is secured and take these steps to deter thieves from making you a victim of crime:

• Record serial numbers or engrave your driver’s licence number on valuables;
• Take pictures of possessions and store the files on a disk;
• Report suspicious activity at all hours of the day;
• Get to know your neighbours and keep an eye on their property;
• Use security systems, cameras, and other deterrents;
• Keep your doors locked, even if you are in the back yard;
• Lock your sheds and outbuilding, and secure property that you store inside;
• Close and lock your windows each time you leave your home, even in hot weather;
• Register your bicycles on the ‘529 Garage’ on-line program;
• Lock your vehicle doors and use an anti-theft device;
• When possible, do not leave valuables in your vehicle. If you must, leave them out of sight;
• Never leave your wallet, purse, identification or keys in a vehicle.

According to police, many neighbourhoods have set up community watch groups and use social media or other platforms to communicate with each other.  For more information and assistance in setting up one of these groups, please contact the Detachment’s Community Policing Section at 250-561-3366.

The Prince George RCMP are looking for information to help identify and locate persons involved in property crimes.  If you have any information, please contact the Prince George RCMP Detachment.