RCMP report shows increases in theft from cars and shoplifting in June

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John RCMP have noted a major increase in thefts from motor vehicles and a minor increase in shoplifting during June.

According to the June 2025 policing report, submitted by Sergeant Jaime Moffat, the acting officer in charge of the Fort St. John RCMP detachment, there were 26 incidents of theft from motor vehicles in June. 

This is an increase compared to the 19 reported incidents in May the detachment reported in their previous policing report. 

“These are crimes of opportunity, though it is very frustrating to vehicle owners, these opportunities can be prevented by ensuring vehicle doors are locked,” Moffat wrote. 

“On the rare occasion the door is locked and entry is forced, the attractant is high[ly] valuable items being left in plain sight.”

Some of the incidents were described as “clusters of events” that happened overnight in the same general area which, despite being on different nights, indicate the same individual or group could be responsible, according to the RCMP.

The RCMP urged residents to lock their cars in June after seven reports were received on June 9th. 

Moffat also noted a “slight uptick” in shoplifting reports, with 20 being recorded throughout June, up from 17 in May.

Theft under $5,000 slightly decreased, with 17 incidents reported in June compared to 30 in May. 

The report also discussed an incident on June 24th, which ended with the victim being pronounced dead at the scene. 

An investigation resulted in the arrest of several individuals, some of whom are expected to appear in court on July 31st.

To read the complete June 2024 policing report, see below.