Two citizens who helped catch an alleged thief received Civic Service Awards from the Victoria Police Department on Wednesday.
Nicole Ranger and Matthew Miller jumped into action last Saturday when they saw someone inside Miller’s truck in the vicinity of Pandora and Belmont avenues. A window was smashed, and the couple saw a man rummaging through the back seat.
Miller held onto the man while Ranger dialled 911. Police arrived quickly and made an arrest.
Alexander Sitnik, 43, has been charged with three counts of mischief under $5,000 and two counts of theft under $5,000. Video surveillance from a condominium complex in the area helped in the investigation.
The Victoria police Civic Service Award was first given out in September 2012. The honour is meant to recognize both officers and members of the public whose efforts make the community safer. — Times Colonist
