Date: Friday, February 10, 2023
File: 23-5005
Victoria, BC – Yesterday morning officers attended to a report of break and enter that had occurred sometime overnight at a business in the 700-block of Fort Street. The business owners advised that over $55,000 in rare and expensive books had been stolen ranging in individual value from $400 to $10,000.
Working with information from the business owners and other community members, including CCTV footage, police learned that after the break and enter the suspect had tried to enter a multi-unit residential temporary housing facility in the 800-block of Johnson Street but was unsuccessful. In addition, the suspect left behind some of the stolen books in the 800-block of Johnson Street which were taken by another individual but eventually turned over to police. Later on that afternoon, officers located the suspect who matched the description from the CCTV footage. Upon arrest, the man was found in possession of approximately $22,000 in stolen books. Officers determined that he also had three outstanding arrest warrants in BC for offences that included Mischief Under $5000, Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000 and Break and Enter with Intent. He was held in custody to appear in court.
Additional information determined that a second individual had entered the business shortly after the initial break and enter and had also stolen books. This person is still outstanding.
If you have any information about this break and enter please contact the Report Desk at 250-995-7654 or call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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