Police nab alleged thief in B.C. wildfire zone with $65K in stolen goods

A 38-year old man is in custody after police say they found his stash of $65,000 in heavy equipment stolen from people evacuated from B.C. wildfire zones.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit started investigating after a tip about a "potential prolific property offender" operating in the wildfire zone near Williams Lake, B.C., according to a statement.

They discovered heavy equipment stolen from wildfire evacuees stashed on a remote property in the Beaver Creek area outside Williams Lake.

Shane Brady of Big Lake, B.C., has been charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000and is expected back in court on July 20.

As of last Thursday, at least 10 people had already been arrested in connection with looting in 100 Mile House and Williams Lake.

• Williams Lake mayor fired up over alleged lootings and arsons
• Wildfire evacuees in central B.C. brace for news on their homes