File # 14-28226 / 14-28283 / 14-29191 / 14-29708 / 14-29716
Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Rash of Break and Enters Solved by VicPD’s Crime Reduction Unit and Patrol Officers
Victoria BC – A recent rash of break and enters have been solved by VicPD’s Patrol and Crime Reduction Unit and stolen property is now returned to the rightful owners.
The first break and enter occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2nd. VicPD officers were called to the 1400-block of Westall Avenue for an interrupted break and enter in progress. One of the residents of the house woke up to find a man in her living room, attempting to steal her laptop. A short conversation ensued and the man eventually fled.
Numerous patrol officers responded, along with a VicPD K9 team, but they were unable to locate the suspect at that time.
Approximately an hour later, patrol officers, who were still in the area, located a man riding a bike in the Doncaster Road and Hillside Avenue area. As he matched the description, he was stopped as part of the investigation. The suspect was breaching previous court-ordered conditions and lied about his name to officers. Further investigation showed that the bicycle he was riding was recently stolen from the 2800-block of Fifth Street, it was seized and returned by officers shortly after.
The Crime Reduction Unit continued the investigation into the original break and enter and were able to link the suspect to the crime the next day. Petri Fairbairn, a 23-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested and charged with break and enter and failing to comply with a probation order.
The next series of break and enters that the Crime Reduction Unit solved took place over the week of July 5th – 11th when numerous storage lockers were entered, and items stolen, in a condominium complex in the 700-block of Fisgard Street.
Video surveillance from the incidents was used to identify the suspect, and a sharp-eyed VicPD Bike Squad officer recognized the man as someone he had numerous dealings with, actually having seized a set of bolt-cutters from him in recent weeks. The information on the file was shared with other VicPD officers, and on Monday evening, the suspect was spotted by a patrol officer and arrested. A subsequent search after his arrest revealed he had some of the previously stolen items still with him.
Officers are cataloguing the evidence and returning the items, and are recommending four counts of break and enter against the 28-year-old Sooke suspect.
Finally, the Crime Reduction Unit was responsible for the arrest of a prolific property criminal on Thursday, July 10th.
Officers had information that a long-time property thief had returned to Victoria. The members initiated an investigation into the man and found him breaching his court-ordered conditions from a previous property investigation.
At the time of his arrest, he was found with numerous laptop computers and a large amount of jewelry. Members of CRU were able to locate the residence that the items belonged to and realized that the owners were out of town on vacation.
The property will be given back to the rightful owners upon their return.
Michael Anderson, a 45-year-old man of no fixed address has been charged with two counts of possession of stolen property. Other charges may result as the investigation continues.
“Property crimes are everyone’s concern,” said Inspector Brian Fox, Officer in Charge of VicPD’s Operational Support Division. “Our officers are highly trained and effective in these investigations, but we can’t do it alone. Please take time to ensure your valuables, your houses and your vehicles are secured, and protect yourself, and your loved ones from being victims of property crimes.”
The Crime Reduction Unit wants you to consider the top five tips for helping you prevent property crimes.
1. Ensure your vehicle is locked and secured with no valuables left inside2. Secure your bike with a good lock and ensure you take a good picture of it along with writing down the serial number.
3. If you’re leaving for any amount of time, ensure you have someone who will come by and check on your house on a regular basis.
4. Look out for one and other and report suspicious behavior to police immediately.
5. Join Block Watch, and connect with your community and local police department.