Last evening, the Saanich Police arrested two separate thieves including a burglar accused of entering houses while people slept and a well known prolific offender.
Around midnight last evening, an accused burglar was located in the area of Tillicum Mall. He had been recognized by a sharp-eyed Patrol officer.
The investigation began in the early morning hours of March 30th, when a residential break and enter was reported in the 3200 block of Seaton ave. The thief had broken into a vehicle, obtained the garage door opener and entered the residence via the garage.
Once inside the residence, the thief took many small electronic items while six people slept. Then keys for a vehicle parked outside were found and the van was then stolen.
Arrested for multiple offences was John Harold Ellacott, a 36 year old Victoria resident, well known for similar offences to local police. Ellacott appeared today before a Provincial Court Judge for charges including Break and Enter, Theft and Mischief.
Earlier in the evening, a second well known thief was also arrested after having been caught shoplifting at the Home Outfitters at Tillicum Mall.
The thief was observed by staff leaving the store with a Kitchen Aid Mixmaster valued at $500. Security chased the thief and retrieved the Mixmaster in the parking lot and contacted the Saanich Police.
When Patrol officers arrived they viewed the video tape with staff members and immediately recognized the thief. The thief was located and arrested a few blocks away.
Arrested was Elliott Shuflita, a 41 year old Saanich resident, a prolific offender well known to local police. Shuflita was charged with Theft and held in custody to appear before a Provincial Court Judge today.
11-6644/11-6798