Police don't believe the theft of $30,000 of silver bullion in Hope is related to a larger silver robery in Chilliwack in February.

Mounties say the victim of the latest theft was driving back to the Interior from the Vancouver Bullion & Currency Exchange July 27 when he stopped in Hope to grab dinner.

During dinner he returned to his car, a 1991 Toyota Previa, to grab something. He may have left the door unlocked and when he returned five minutes later, his gray and black Osprey-brand backpack was gone, along with the $30,000 worth of silver bars and coins inside.

In February, thieves beat up a Little Mountain home owner and stole more than $700,000 worth of silver bullion. But RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Tammy Hollingsworth said, "At this point we don't think it's related."

No arrest has been made in the Little Mountain robbery.