The Saanich Police Department has recovered hundreds of stolen possessions from recent car thefts following a two-month-long investigation.
A search warrant for a home in the 1500-block of North Dairy Road in Saanich lead police to find the stash of stolen goods, which had everything from personal bank cards, driver’s licenses, work ID tags, laptops and other personal belongings. The scene of the incident sits on the Saanich and Victoria municipal boundary.
Police had reason to believe there may be hazards inside the home, and got help from Victoria’s Emergency Response Team to carry out the search.
According to the police, some of the bankcards can be directly linked to fraudulent purchases in and around Greater Victoria.
Most of the property recovered came from car thefts around PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) and most of the vehicles that were entered had their windows smashed, according to Const. Markus Anastasiades with the Saanich Police.
He adds that most of these thefts occurred near public parks when people simply hide valuables in their vehicles before setting off for a walk or hike.
On top of that, photos released by police display a few other items including spare keys, a purse and a baseball bat with nails embedded in its batting end.
Tyler Airaksinen, 45, from Saanich was arrested with a breach of release order and one count of possession of property obtained by crime, however charges of possession of stolen property, fraud, and identify theft are currently being recommended.
The man was held in custody and appeared in court Thursday.
“The suspect was well-known to police for similar offences over the years,” said Anastasiades.
Police say this is a good reminder to not store any valuables in your personal vehicle.
A report from ICBC lists the most commonly stolen goods from personal vehicles, they include:
- Smartphones
- Personal electronics—tablets, laptops, iPods, GPS
- Work tools
- Credit cards and identification
- Stereo equipment
- Cash and change
- Car parts and accessories
- Garage door openers
- Sunglasses
- Keys
For more information on how to prevent auto crime, visit ICBC’s website.
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Roger Collins
