A Saanich business owner is speaking out after a suspect was caught on video attempting to set fire to their work van last week—and now they’re hoping the public can help identify the individual before they strike again.
The incident happened on Wednesday, May 28th at around 9 p.m., outside Prestine Dry Cleaners at 98 Burnside Road West, near the intersection of Wascana Street.
According to the owner, video surveillance footage shows an unknown individual trying to ignite the business’s work van, parked just outside the storefront.
Fortunately, the fire was noticed quickly and extinguished by someone connected to the business before major damage occurred.
“I’m a small business owner in Saanich and we had an incident where a person tried to set our business van on fire—all caught on video,” the owner told Victoria Buzz.
“I’m hoping you guys can post it to help us prevent them from coming back and trying again.”
Saanich Police confirmed they received a report of a suspicious vehicle fire just after 10 p.m. that night and responded to the scene with members of their Forensic Identification Section.
“Our officers attended… to begin investigating and documenting the scene. We continue to actively investigate and are working to identify the individual responsible,” said Saanich Police in a statement.
While police are still working to determine a motive and identify the suspect, the owner is asking for the community’s help in sharing the footage in hopes of preventing another attempt.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Saanich Police or Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers.
