WEST KELOWNA, B.C. - Someone has made off with $400,000 worth of helicopter parts from the back of a van in West Kelowna, B.C., but police say they're worthless to the thief.
Alpine Helicopters reported the theft to the RCMP on Saturday, saying 31 helicopter parts in several boxes were taken.
Jill Seaton, the company's chief financial officer, says safety protocols for such items mean they have serial numbers that must be traceable in order to be sold.
She says the parts would be quickly noticed during any repairs and reported.
Seaton says the process helps to ensure the safety of helicopter operators worldwide because they must know the history of each part, right back to production.
The company is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for any information leading to the arrest of a suspect or the recovery of their stolen property.
