News release
Kelowna RCMP Proactive Enforcement Unit nabs alleged vehicle thief
April 23, 2026
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Kelowna, British Columbia
From: Kelowna RCMP
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File numbers: 2026-19892 et 2026-21920
Kelowna RCMP have arrested a Kelowna man following the recovery of a stolen pickup truck, less than six hours after it was reported stolen.
On April 14, 2026, a Ford pickup truck was reported stolen overnight from a residence in Winfield. Later that morning, members of the Kelowna RCMP Proactive Enforcement Unit located the vehicle and initiated surveillance. With assistance from the Kelowna RCMP Police Dog Service and police service dog Nessel, officers safely arrested a male driver and a female passenger without incident. The stolen vehicle was recovered without incident.
The male driver, identified as Simon Bell, is facing numerous charges. His arrest on April 14 follows a separate and similar alleged vehicle theft incident earlier this month.
On April 4, 2026, Kelowna RCMP received information from a concerned citizen regarding a stolen commercial vehicle being driven in Winfield. When confronted, the driver fled the area; however, photographs of the incident were captured. Police gathered evidence linking both investigations and completed a joint submission for charge assessment.
As a result of both incidents, the following charges have been approved against Bell:
- Two counts of theft of motor vehicle
- Two counts of possession of stolen property
- Two counts of possession of stolen credit cards and identity documents
- Possession of break‑in instruments, contrary to a probation order
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Six counts of driving while prohibited
- Two counts of driving while licence suspended
Bell remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on May 4, 2026.
“The Kelowna Proactive Enforcement Unit continues to focus on property offences and those individuals actively involved in criminal activity within our community,” says Sergeant Guillaume Tanguay, of the Proactive Enforcement Unit. “This arrest is expected to have a significant impact on vehicle thefts and other offences involving stolen vehicles.”
Kelowna RCMP would like to remind the public that unlocked vehicles present a crime of opportunity. April is Auto Crime Enforcement Month, and drivers are encouraged to take simple steps to reduce the risk of vehicle‑related crime. Remove keys, wallets, garage door openers, and other valuables from vehicles, and always ensure vehicles are locked.
Kelowna RCMP are also attempting to locate the owners of a paddle board and set of golf clubs believed to be stolen and recovered during this investigation. Anyone who recognizes the pictured items are asked to contact Sergeant Tanguay of the Kelowna RCMP Proactive Enforcement Unit at 250‑762‑3300.
