Shortly after 5:30 am on Friday, May 1, 2020, Saanich Police responded to an alarm at the Canadian Tire Auto Service Centre at 3993 Cedar Hill Road.
Once they arrived on scene it became evident that someone had broken into the building. The property owners were able to provide quick access to the CCTV footage, where the descriptions of two male suspects were taken down by the investigating officer. The video also showed that the suspects had stolen tools and electronics and concealed them in a bag before they fled the store.
As the officer remained in the area to write up the report, he noticed two individuals riding down Shelbourne Street on bicycles that he immediately recognized as the suspects from the CCTV footage. The officer stopped and arrested both for break and enter. A search of one of their backpacks revealed all of the stolen items from the store.
“A keen eye and a little luck on being in the right place at the right time certainly helped in this case,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades. “The stolen items have been returned to the store.”
Two men, 53 and 22, both well known to police for property crime offences, were charged with break and enter. They were released later that day on a multitude of conditions and a court date later this year.
Cst. Markus Anastasiades
Public Information and Communications Officer
250-475-4337