A suspect was arrested on Monday after a series of residential break-ins in Victoria and a related incident under investigation by Oak Bay Police.
Police say the first report came in on October 20th at about 12:30 p.m., when a resident in the 200-block of Beechwood Avenue reported a garage break-in and an attempted break and enter into their home.
The suspect reportedly used a heavy mallet or hammer, then fled on foot before officers arrived. Investigators have not recovered the tool and are asking people in the Beechwood Avenue area to check their yards for any unfamiliar items that may have been discarded.
Police ask residents not to touch any found item and to call the non-emergency line.
Roughly an hour later, police responded to a break-in in progress at a home in the 300-block of St. Charles Street.
The resident reported encountering a man leaving the home with jewellery and other personal items.
Police contained several blocks in the area and arrested a suspect without further incident.
After the arrest, a resident in the 1700-block of Lillian Road contacted police to report a break-in and the theft of jewellery and personal items.
Officers say the arrested suspect was found in possession of property stolen from that address, which has since been returned to the homeowner.
VicPD believes the same suspect may be connected to other break-ins reported earlier that day, including an incident in the 2000-block of Carrick Street currently under investigation by Oak Bay Police.
Anyone with information is asked to call the E-Comm non-emergency line at 250-995-7654 ext. 1 and reference file numbers 25-41535, 25-41547, 25-41556, or OBPD 25-2946. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
