Thanks to quick thinking of alert area residents, two suspects were arrested at approximately 3:30 this morning in the 3200 block of Rutledge Street in the Municipality of Saanich.
An alert resident was monitoring a live surveillance camera feed of a secure under-ground parking lot at a multi-unit dwelling when they observed two suspects enter the parking garage and begin to look at parked vehicles. The resident quickly alerted other residents in the building who in turn contacted police.
The building residents went to the underground parking garage and viewed at least one suspect still on scene. Very shortly thereafter, members of the Saanich Police arrived on scene and located a suspect hiding in the parking garage.
The 21 year old Saanich man was arrested for Breaking and Entering into the locked parking garage. Further investigation found the male to be in possession of break in tools as well as a canister of bear spray. The male was in Breach of previous court ordered conditions.
Shortly thereafter, another building resident alerted police to movement in another area of the parking garage. Police located a 17 year old female from Colwood and determined that she had been in the company of the 21 year old suspect. The female was arrested and also found to be on previous court ordered conditions.
Residents of the apartment complex reported that their parking garage and numerous vehicles had been entered a number of times in the previous weeks. This was the reason that the occupants were on high alert and were making efforts to monitor the surveillance equipment that had been installed.
The 17 year old female was released from police custody and will be appearing in court in mid-April.
The 21 year old male was held in police custody and will be appearing in court later today facing numerous related charges.
“This is another excellent example of people providing timely information to police which has led to the arrest of two suspects” Sgt. Steve Eassie says. “Without the assistance of the public in this case, it is possible that the suspects may have eluded capture and committed further crime throughout the early morning hours”.
Saanich area residents are reminded to contact the Saanich Police if they observe any suspicious persons on or near their property, especially in the late evening and early morning hours. Saanich Police can be contacted on the non-emergency line at 250-475-4321, 24 hours per day.
File 13-4738
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158