Central Cariboo Search and Rescue truck stolen; police ask public to be on the lookout

Photo: Facebook / Central Cariboo Search and Rescue

Have you seen this search and rescue truck? Williams Lake police are asking the public to keep an eye out for the truck after a break-in at the Central Cariboo Search and Rescue facility in Williams Lake Sunday morning.

Police are asking for the public’s help in finding an emergency vehicle stolen from the Central Cariboo Search and Rescue hall in Williams Lake.

Cpl. Shane Nicoll of the Williams Lake RCMP Detachment said the search and rescue truck — a bright red 2020 Dodge Ram 5500 — represents a significant investment in community safety.

“We are asking that everyone look out for the Search and Rescue truck, and if seen, report it to police immediately,” Nicoll said in a statement.

In a video posted to Facebook, Rick White, Central Cariboo Search and Rescue chief, said the CCSAR hall in Williams Lake had a break-in at about 1 a.m. Sunday morning. A window was smashed, and the truck was taken.

“If you see it somewhere, call the RCMP right away. This is very disturbing. The people of the Cariboo rely on this truck to extricate people from car accidents. We need it back," White said.

CCSAR’s social media post said the truck has a square aluminum box and search and rescue decals, and is fully equipped for highway rescue and search and rescue tasks.

The BC license plate reads RH7960.

“This vehicle, and the equipment inside of it, is used by our professional volunteers to help those in need. It allows us to get individuals out of dangerous and life threatening situations, and into the care of BC Emergency Health Services,” CCSAR said in the post.

“This vehicle helps save lives.”

Police said if anyone sees the vehicle, they shouldn’t approach it, but instead should call 911, Crime Stoppers, or the Williams Lake RCMP detachment to report its location.