Nanaimo RCMP arrested a man accused of breaking into electronics stores and businesses across the Island, stealing $15,000 in goods over the last five months.
The department’s street crime unit identified a suspect after break-ins were reported in Qualicum Beach, Courtenay and Nanaimo, said Nanaimo RCMP spokeswoman Sgt. Sheryl Armstrong.
In March, a thief stole tools from a van parked in the School District 68 compound in Nanaimo. In April, also in Nanaimo, someone stole a high-end Trek mountain bike and biking apparel from Arrowsmith Bikes.
Oceanside RCMP responded to an alarm at the Source in Qualicum Beach on June 15, only to discover that a thief had made off with laptops, cellphones and headphones. A 50-inch television and a high-end speaker system were taken from a Courtenay business on July 5.
A break in the case came on July 23 when an employee interrupted a break-and-enter in progress at Pro Pacific Restorations in Nanaimo. The thief fled the scene but Nanaimo Mounties were able to identify the suspect through photos.
On Wednesday, officers arrested a man for break-and-enter and theft. Police received information that the man had allegedly been spotted riding around town on a high-end Trek mountain bike, believed to be the same one stolen from Arrowsmith Bikes.
Police searched the man’s home and recovered about $15,000 worth of stolen goods, including the Trek bike, a 50-inch television, a wireless speaker system, and tools. Officers also found a small amount of drugs, believed to be heroin.
The 44-year-old Nanaimo man is known to police and will be remanded into custody until an appearance in Nanaimo Provincial Court on Aug. 4.
