Saskatchewan family reunited with stolen U-Haul contents in Abbotsford

A Saskatchewan family whose U-Haul with all their possessions was stolen while they were moving to B.C. in December has been reunited with some of their belongings.

"There's no question this has had a huge emotional toll," said Michael Suiker, who moved to Victoria from Saskatoon with his daughter.

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RCMP say they found many of the stolen possessions in Abbotsford, B.C., after executing two search warrants on rural properties. 

The family's U-Haul truck went missing on Dec. 30 when they were staying overnight in Surrey. They took to social media to help find it. 

Police found the truck two days later — all but a few possessions had been taken. Their continuing investigation led to many of the items being found.

"Various property belonging to the Suiker family was recovered, including their grey travel utility trailer that was being towed behind the U-Haul," said Const. Paul Walker with Abbotsford police.

Three Abbotsford men are facing various charges, including possession of stolen property. The only suspect who has been named is Joseph Lavallee.

The discovery hasn't recovered everything the family lost, but it's more than the two suitcases they were initially left with. Suiker said what's been found so far has lifted his spirits.

"It kind of rejuvenates you in a way and brings hope," he said.

Suiker said he's still hoping the rest of his family's lost possessions turn up — such as his daughter's soccer medals, baby blankets, and even some toys from when he was a kid..

"If you see a 40, 50-year-old toy, there's a good chance it could be something of mine," he said.

Anyone with further information can contact Abbotsford police at 604-859-5225 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.