Thief steals close to $400,000 in helicopter parts from West Kelowna business
By Nelson Daily Staff
RCMP in West Kelowna are searching for the suspect involved in the theft of several helicopter parts stolen from a vehicle overnight on Friday (December 5).
RCMP Cst Kris Clark said policein West Kelowna received a report Saturday (December 6) at 8:10 am, a report of a theft from a vehicle on the 2100 block of Peters Road.
Clark said a total of 31 helicopter parts in various boxes were taken from an Alpine Helicopters company van at an estimated replacement value of $397,000.
Unfortunately for the thief though, the parts are basically worthless to them due to the safety protocols in place for the sale of such items.
“All helicopter parts are serialized and must have a traceable lineage in order to be sold,” says Jill Seaton, Chief Financial Officer of Alpine Helicopters.
“The parts would be quickly noticed during any repairs and reported.”
This process helps to ensure the safety of helicopter operators worldwide as they know each part’s complete history, right back to production.
The stolen parts include:
- DC Control
- Invertor
- Dual Torque Gauge
- N1 Gauge
- ITT Gauge
- Torque Transmitter
- Oil to Fuel Heater
- Front Cuff
- Rear Cuff
- 4-man Seatbelt Recoil
- 5-man Seatbelt Recoil
- Seatbelt Connection Half (2)
- ITT Trim Compensator
- Triple Tach
- Particle Separator Motor
- RPM Box
- Oil Pressure/ Temperature Gauge XMSN
- Oil Pressure/ Temperature Gauge C-Box
- Big Heater
- Little Heater
- Fuel Control Pack
- Check Valve
- FM Radio
- Starter Relay
- Generator Relay
- Governor
- Engine Oil Pressure/ Temperature Gauge
- Pressure Transducer
- Pressure Switch
- Hydraulic Pressure/Temperature Indicator
Clark said this theft is a very significant loss and the RCMP is seeking anyone with any information that might lead to the identification of the person(s) responsible or the return of the helicopter parts.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the West Kelowna RCMP, Cst Gingras, at 250-768-2880. Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.
Clark added Alpine Helicopters is willing to pay a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest of suspects and/or the recovery of their stolen property, and if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers.
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