Three arrested in West Shore crime spree that saw $200K in items stolen: RCMP

Three arrested in West Shore crime spree that saw $200K in items stolen: RCMP
CHEK

Three suspects have a date in court following a months-long investigation into a West Shore crime spree that allegedly saw them steal around $200,000 in goods, with some items still unaccounted for, RCMP say.

West Shore RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) investigated six reports of theft between September and November, including five that involved break-and-enters at various local construction sites and businesses.

The majority of the stolen items, according to police, were high-value tools, while the sixth investigation involved a five-tonne moving truck packed with approximately $90,000 in personal belongings.

CRU investigators utilized various investigative techniques, including surveillance, and help from Sooke RCMP to find the stolen truck in Shirley and determine the contents inside were taken to a residence near the 2300-block of Sooke Road in Colwood. 

Investigators then issued a search warrant on the residence, which belonged to one of the alleged thieves, after determining all six cases were linked to suspects who were working together, RCMP say.

(A crime map shows the approximate locations of the break-ins and thefts. Provided by: West Shore RCMP)

“This was a complex investigation involving many moving parts. Approximately $200,000 worth of stolen items were reported to police in these investigations. Of that, we were able to recover approximately $100,000 worth of stolen items,” said West Shore RCMP Cpl. Danny Grieve in a news release.

Investigators uncovered a “plethora” of stolen items stored at the house, including numerous tools, personal belongings and another truck, a Chevrolet Silverado pickup, which was being used to transport the goods, RCMP say.

“Our Crime Reduction Unit tracked down and arrested three suspects as well as recovered the stolen property. The majority of the stolen items have been returned to the rightful owners. This investigation is ongoing, and we are still looking for a number of outstanding stolen items,” added Grieve.

RCMP say they’ve arrested 36-year-old Nicolas Banks, who has been charged with four counts of possession of property obtained by crime, two counts of theft over $5,000 and one count of trafficking stolen property in connection to the spree.

Two other suspects, whose names were not revealed, include a 51-year-old man facing three counts of possession of stolen property, one count of trafficking stolen property and one count of mischief to property, as well as a 38-year-old woman facing one count of possession of stolen property and one count of trafficking stolen property.

All three suspects will appear in court this January, RCMP say.

Still searching for stolen items

West Shore RCMP say they’re still searching for the outstanding items, including an S70 Skid Steer Loader and an E20 Excavator Bobcat sitting atop a flat deck trailer stolen from Deckadence Construction. The items may still be stamped with the company’s logo.

Anyone with information about the location of the stolen items is asked to call police at 250-474-2264.

(Stolen S70 Skid Steer Loader. Photo: West Shore RCMP)

(Stolen E20 Excavator Bobcat sitting atop a flat deck trailer. Photo: West Shore RCMP)

CHEK NewsCHEK News

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!