Police in Western New Brunswick have interrupted a mid-summer crime spree.
They have arrested a handful of suspects they allege were targeting off-road vehicles, possibly for use in the coming marijuana harvest season.
In the Woodstock area, thieves have hit homes, farms and local businesses, taking ATV’s and what is referred to as gator or buggy.
“Sometimes you do get those calls where items are stolen that there is only one use for,” explains Woodstock Police Corporal Carter Stone. “There are certain things that we do look for and, obviously when you come across a crime scene and there are different types of equipment there, then it leads to other things sometimes.”
Within weeks, if it hasn’t started already, the harvest of marijuana will begin.
Police will target Maritime plantations, most located in remote and hard to access locations.
While police in Woodstock are not connecting the recent rash of off-road vehicle thefts and the drug trade, they are not ruling it out either.
“Those are types of vehicles that come in very handy for people with the green thumb,” explains off-road vehicle dealer Don Pickard.
Pickard was one of two hit by thieves last week.
At another shop, thieves stole a vehicle capable of hauling loads and tackling tough terrain.
Police have a number of suspects in custody, but have yet to determine their exact motive.
Court appearances are expected before the end of the week.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Andy Campbell
