Chilliwack RCMP have confirmed that the bags stolen during a search and rescue operation for a missing seven-year-old girl have been returned.
They made the announcement May 6. The equipment was taken from the search site while Coquitlam Search and Rescue volunteers were assisting the Chilliwack Search and Rescue team.
The heavy gear bags contained specialized rescue equipment, and the team had stashed them in the forest at the trail entrance at the end of Winona Road, in the Chilliwack River Valley, before beginning their search.
RCMP confirm that when the team returned to retrieve the bags, they discovered the equipment was missing. The total estimated value of the stolen equipment is approximately $10,000.
“We are grateful the bags were turned into police allowing this critical equipment to be returned,” said Insp. Jeff Bowerman. “SAR volunteers are a vital part of our emergency response network, and their gear is essential to their safety and success in the field.”
