Two men have been arrested in connection to a series of break-and-enters that have plagued the West Shore since the end of August.
Between Aug. 30 and Oct. 14, West Shore RCMP say at least seven break-ins were reported to them, all within walking distance of each other. Numerous items were stolen and victims’ vehicles and apartment buildings were damaged.
Using surveillance footage and a forensic identification system, police were able to identify two suspects, a 23-year-old View Royal man, and a 32-year-old Langford man.
Officers began investigating the suspects on Oct. 6. That day, while watching a residence on Fairview Avenue in Langford, police witnessed occupants of a vehicle pepper spray someone outside the home while they drove past it. Officers set up a traffic stop and pulled over the vehicle, finding both suspects inside. The men were arrested and subsequently released.
Const. Alex Berube confirmed more break-ins were reported following their release.
On Oct. 15, officers executed a search warrant on the suspects’ residence and found stolen property from several of the break-ins, ammunition, crossbows, and a small amount of methamphetamine.
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The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264.
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