Additional police sent to Fort Nelson following property crime arrests

FORT NELSON, B.C. — Additional police officers have arrived in Fort Nelson to help prevent property crime after some arrests have already been reported.

The Northern Rockies RCMP detachment announced Thursday that additional officers from nearby communities have been brought to the town.

When asked whether property crime had been an issue since Fort Nelson was evacuated on Friday, May 10th, Media Relations Officer Madonna Saunderson confirmed some crimes had been reported.

“Some isolated incidents of property crime have been reported and arrests have been made with respect to the limited reports of property crime,” Saunderson said. “Those investigations remain active and ongoing.”

They’ll be providing 24/7 coverage of the area, alongside support from BC Highway Patrol and two officers from the North District Indigenous Policing Service brought to support Fort Nelson and Prophet River First Nations.

“These RCMP members will remain in the Fort Nelson community to provide essential police services,” the announcement reads. 

“The members will be conducting patrols throughout the neighbourhoods and will check local businesses to prevent property crime from occurring.”

Saunderson also urged residents to stay away from Fort Nelson and the surrounding area until the ongoing evacuation orders are lifted for their own safety.