Between December 2015 and March 2016 Saanich Police received 45 reports of residential Break and Enters in the Shelbourne St Corridor/University Heights. In all of these reported Break and Enters entry was gained via patio doors. It appears in some cases the locking mechanisms were faulty or, in other cases, the patio door lock was easily defeated.
The Saanich Police had a number of resources dedicated to solving these crimes including Officers from the Patrol Division, Intelligence Section, the Forensic Identification Section and the Property Crime Unit. Officers from the Property Crime Unit were able to successfully track down some of the stolen property from these Break and Enters. The legitimate owners were contacted and able to successfully identify their property.
Through the investigative process Officers were able to successfully identify the suspect. On March 23, 2016 Saanich Police travelled to Nanaimo and, with the assistance of the Nanaimo RCMP, the suspect was arrested in connection to the Break and Enters.
On March 24, 2016 Lance Wilbert Henry appeared before the courts, via telebail, and has been remanded in custody until his next hearing on April 14, 2016. Charges sworn, at this time, are 2 counts of Break and Enter and 2 counts of possession of stolen property. “Mr. Henry is a Federal Parolee from the Lower Mainland who appears to have spent a large portion of his life in prison. When Mr. Henry is out of jail he seems to support himself through criminal activity.” A/Sgt. Jereme Leslie said. “Our Officers are still combing over the significant amount of information and evidence they’ve collected and we’re expecting a number of more charges to be forwarded to Crown Counsel.”
Saanich Police would like to thank the many local media outlets that covered these events. Saanich Police feel that without the increased awareness, from the media coverage, there could have been a number of more B&E’s.
A/Sgt. Jereme Leslie #228
SPD File 16-06358