Revelstoke RCMP are sending a stern cease and desist message to whoever has been removing storm-drain covers on Revelstoke roads.
Revelstoke RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Rod Wiebe says this morning they learned that about six drain covers had been removed along Airport Way near the Illecillewaet Bridge then dumped into the sewer opening.
RCMP say similar incidents have "been an ongoing issue for the past few years." Wiebe said incidents typically occur in spring and summer and have happened in several locations in town, including on Campbell Avenue and Centennial Drive.
"Police are very concerned about these incidents as it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed," Wiebe said.
He adds that the consequences for the perpetrators are also no joke. "This prank comes with consequences and it will be treated as a criminal offence which could include mischief and criminal negligence," Wiebe said in a statement. "If someone was hurt because of these actions a maximum of ten years in jail could be handed down, but should the results be a death of a person, life in prison is the maximum penalty."
Police are asking anyone with information about the crimes to call the detachment at 250-837-5255 or to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.bccrimestoppers.com.
"The bottom line is this is a very dangerous prank that needs to stop," Wiebe said.