Nanaimo RCMP have arrested a man believed to be behind numerous thefts and break and enters on the mid-island.
The cases were reported to Parksville, Courtenay and Nanaimo RCMP over the past three months.
– On March 9, several vans in a School District 68 compound were broken into, and an unknown quantity of tools were stolen.
– On April 11th, someone broke into Arrowsmith Bikes in Nanaimo and stole a high-end Trek mountain bike, along with biking apparel.
– On June 15th, Oceanside RCMP responded to an alarm at The Source in Qualicum Beach. Cell phones, head phones and laptops were stolen.
– On July 5, Mad Man McKay’s in Courtenay was broken into. Electronic equipment was stolen, including 1 Samsung 50″ Television and numerous Sonos electronic devices.
– On July 23, Nanaimo RCMP responded to an interrupted break and enter at Pro Pacific. The suspect fled after being confronted by an employee. RCMP officers were able to identify the suspect from viewing photos.
Nanaimo RCMP officers made an arrest on July 29th. They learned the suspect had been seen riding a high-end Trek Mountain bike, stolen from Arrowsmith Bikes in Nanaimo.
Officers searched a home where they believed the suspect was storing the stolen items and recovered many of them. They also found what’s believed to be heroin. The total value of the recovered items is estimated at $15,000.
The suspect is a 44-year-old man from Nanaimo who is known to police. He has been remanded into custody and will be appearing in Nanaimo Provincial Court on Tuesday, August 4.
RCMP are recommending charges of break and enter, possession of house breaking instruments and possession of stolen property.
