Some of the items stolen from evacuated homes in the landslide-hit community of Johnsons Landing have now been recovered, police say.

The West Kootenay community was devastated by a landslide in July that killed four people and buried several homes and properties.

Earlier this week, robbers broke into four homes that were still under an evacuation order.

They smashed windows and broke locks and stole electronics and equipment, including a mower, table saw and air compresser, residents said.

Early this morning, police received calls after some of the stolen property was spotted at the side of the road, said Cpl. Shaun Begg with the Kaslo RCMP.

He said the thieves likely had a “guilty conscience” and were afraid of being exposed.

“The community is quite tightly knit up there and in this region in general. People talk, and it would be hard to get rid of some very distinguishable property in this area," Bregg said.

Police have returned the stolen property to the rightful owners, but a number of items are still missing.

No arrests have been made.