Suspect in series of break and enters at Saanich businesses caught

The Saanich Police have identified and brought in a suspect in a string of break and enters at businesses in Saanich.

The break and enters have been taking place from October 2020 to January 2021.

“Evidence obtained by our Forensic Identification Section as well as information obtained from a traffic stop initiated by a Victoria Police Canine Officer identified a suspect for these offences,” said the police.

“Our Street Crime Unit was able to locate him in the early morning of January 21, 2021.

Surveillance on this suspect was conducted by officers who observed him with another possible suspect in the area of Burnside Road West and Harriet Road just after midnight Thursday.

Officers watched as the one suspect stood by as the primary suspect walked to the rear of a business at the corner of the intersection.

The other suspect was then observed breaking into a parked vehicle by using a blow torch to smash the glass.

He was swiftly taken into custody by patrol officers waiting nearby.

Meanwhile, the primary suspect appeared from behind the business as the alarm began to sound and was also taken into custody by uniformed officers.

Investigators have charged one man, age 40, with eight counts of Break and Enter related to businesses in Saanich dating back to October 2020 and one count of mischief under $5,000 from January 2021.

This man also had an outstanding warrant for two break and enters committed in Saanich and Victoria in October 2020.

He remains in police custody at this time.

The businesses targeted in the break and enters were six liquor stores, one bank, and one restaurant, which had one of their store windows carefully removed by the suspect.

Items stolen included large quantities of liquor and also some smaller electronics.

The other suspect has been charged with mischief under $5,000 and was released with a court date for later in 2021.

“This individual targeted local businesses in Saanich over the course of several months. Collaboration continues with the Victoria Police Department with their investigation into similar glass-removal type business break and enters.”