Whistler/Blackcomb to install security cameras at theft sites Skiers and snowboarders weren't the only people in Whistler taking advantage of the fresh powder that fell over the weekend — thieves made off with six decks from the base of Blackcomb on Sunday, Nov. 21. According to Const. Warren Tomalty, the community police officer for the Whistler RCMP, between 300 and 400 snowboards went missing last year. With over 2.16 million skier visits to the resort last year, that's a relatively low percentage in comparison with other the theft rates at other resorts. However, he cautions, you can never be too careful. "Don't leave your snowboard out of your site if you can help it, and if you can't, I advise that you lock it up," says Tomalty. "And don't leave it out in the open in the back of your car. It only takes a second to have your windows broken, so keep it covered." If your board is stolen, the chances of recovery are slim: "Every year we catch and charge two or three people for stealing boards. The owner identifies them with their board, or somebody sees them stealing it. But a lot of these guys will grab your board and take it down to the city or into the Interior to sell it. At that point they're extremely hard to trace." Although Whistler/Blackcomb is not legally responsible for any boards stolen on their property, according to Tomalty, the recent thefts have prompted them to install a network of cameras in high risk areas.
