Files: 20-12627, 20-12668

Victoria, BC – Two men have been arrested for property offences as Patrol officers have increased their presence in core business areas throughout Victoria and Esquimalt. Patrol officers have stepped up their presence in these core business areas, including Victoria’s downtown core, in response to concerns of thieves targeting businesses closed due to COVID-19 precautions.

File: 20-12627 | One Arrested In Break And Enter To Vacant Business

Patrol officers were called to the 700-block of Yates Street just before 7 p.m. last night after witnesses spotted a man breaking a window and entering a recently vacated business. Patrol officers surrounded the building. While officers were searching for suspect, a resident of a nearby building spotted the man attempting to access the roof area. The resident spoke with the man and escorted him off the property to waiting officers. He was taken into custody.

Upon arresting the man, officers discovered he had been injured while breaking the window. He was transported to hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. He was released with conditions and an appearance notice.

File: 20-12668 | Car Alarm, Broken Windows Lead To Arrest

Another man was arrested near the intersection of Cook Street and Rockland Avenue just after 3 a.m. this morning after a Patrol officer heard a car alarm sounding in the area. The officer then noted a man quickly leaving the area of the vehicle alarm and, noting evidence that he’d recently broken a vehicle window, detained him for investigation. The officer searched the man and discovered break and enter tools on his person. Additional investigation revealed two nearby vehicles that had been broken into. The owners of the vehicles were notified of the incidents. The man was arrested for violating conditions not to possess break and enter tools. The additional investigation remains ongoing at this time.

“We are well aware of the potential for businesses to be targeted during closures,” Chief Del Manak said. “We have already implemented enhanced patrols and discussed new crime prevention strategies.”

VicPD Patrol officers continue to take part in increased patrols in core business areas.

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