RCMP in northeastern B.C. are opening a mobile detachment in Tomslake in hopes of catching the person responsible for a number of pipeline bombings in the area.

Beginning in late August, two RCMP officers will be stationed in the hamlet full-time, operating out of a trailer. Police hope that will help generate tips to help police crack the case, RCMP Sgt. Rob Vermeulen said.

"We're hoping — and obviously the presence of the members there is demonstrating our commitment — we hope to providing a level of security and assurance to the people in those areas," he said.

Natural gas pipelines operated by EnCana Corp. in the Dawson Creek area have been the target of six bombing attacks since last fall. Late last month, the company doubled its reward to $1 million for tips leading to an arrest and prosecution in the bombings.

Police believe the person responsible for the bombings lives in the area of Tomslake, which is about 30 kilometres southeast of Dawson Creek.

The new detachment is another step police hope will help bring a breakthrough in the case. But some people in Tomslake complain police have used heavy-handed tactics in trying to find whoever is responsible for the bombings, who RCMP believe lives in the area around the town.

'Just assist the RCMP'

Police have followed some people and questioned them, said Peter Kut, who lives in Pouce Coupe, which is just north of Tomslake.

"I don't know if they're being harassed but I've talked to several and they've been questioned, you know, and I think some of their vehicles have been checked too," he said.

But the mayor of Dawson Creek, Mike Bernier, says only a minority of people are unhappy with the RCMP presence.

"The people that have been responsive and helpful to the RCMP are not the ones that are complaining they're being harassed," he said. "My encouragement to those people is, you know you're innocent, just assist the RCMP so you can be crossed off the list, basically."

The latest bombings took place on July 1st and July 4th.

On July 16th, a two-page letter sent to the Dawson Creek Daily News warned if EnCana didn't shut down its operations, the bombings could get worse.