Saanich Police have arrested and charged a man after he was caught breaking into a Saanich home in broad daylight while the owner was still inside.
Just after 9 a.m. on Wednesday, the homeowner called police to report that someone had just broken into their home through a basement door in the 1000-block of Burnside Road West.
The caller says the suspect could be heard rummaging around inside. The homeowner then was able to flee their residence and get to a safe location, while also describing the suspect to emergency call-takers, according to the Saanich Police Department.
A neighbour had then seen the suspect running from the property and also called police, providing what police are calling key information, including a description of the suspect, clothing and the direction of travel.
Officers arrived and found the suspect “not far” from the residence, with a bicycle that was later confirmed had been stolen from the home. He was taken into custody without incident.
“This was surely a frightening incident for this homeowner and neighbours in the area. That being said, they were all able to remain calm, called police and provide pertinent information that ultimately led to the suspect’s arrest,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades, media relations officer for Saanich Police.
“This is another example of how neighbours in Saanich look out for one another and how the community and police work together.”
Police say the suspect, 41-year-old Leslie Brownjohn, has a lengthy criminal history, remains in custody and is facing criminal charges for break and enter and theft under $5,000.
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Rebecca Lawrence
