Mounties in Prince George are investigating a string of sudden rash break-and-enters in the downtown area, despite the recent cold weather.
First incident – Feb. 8:
RCMP say the first break-and-enter occurred around 4 a.m. on Monday (Feb. 8) when frontline officers responded to a report of an alarm going off inside a business on the 1200-block Fourth Avenue.
Police quickly attended the location and observed the glass door at the front of the business was broken.
Officers called the Police Dog Service team out but due to the extreme cold and snowy conditions, they were unable to locate a track.
The suspect in this incident took three laptop computers valued at $1,500 each.
Second incident – Feb. 8:
At 8 a.m. the same day, several businesses were broken into along the 200-block Victoria Street.
The building manager stated several units at this location were reporting items stolen, including $10,000 in vintage coins, some high-end rookie hockey cards, multiple laptops, an iPad and several hundred dollars in old currency.
"Some of these items are very specific and not widely in circulation," states RCMP spokesperson Cst. Jennifer Cooper in a statement.
"If anyone notices items like these for sale on electronic sale sites, they should contact the Prince George RCMP with the seller’s information and include a screen shot of the listing."
Surveillance shows the suspect entering the building at 3:45 a.m.
He is described as
- White
- White Sox pro-fit hat
- Mechanix gloves
- Blue jeans
- Unique shoes
- Carrying a multi-tool on his hip
Prince George RCMP are seeking a suspect caught on video after stealing several items from a Victoria Street business on Feb. 8, 2021. By Prince George RCMPThird incident – Feb. 8:
A third break-and-enter was reported at 2 p.m., also on Monday, at business on 500 block Victoria Street.
A man broke into an ATM vestibule at that location, but security quickly moved him along.
The suspect in this incident matched the description of the previous break and enter in the photo above, and police are still processing surveillance from this location.
Fourth incident – Feb. 9:
At 8 a.m. on Tuesday (Feb. 9), Mounties received a report of multiple vehicle break-ins to an underground parkade on 1000 block Sixth Avenue.
Frontline officers attended the location and found multiple personal vehicles and two City of Prince George vehicles had the windows smashed or the locks punched out.
Suspects took various items, including loose change and clothing, and police believe the suspect entered the parkade before 5 a.m.
Fifth incident – Feb. 9:
Eariler that morning, police received report of a break and enter to a building at 1600 block Victoria Street at 6:30 a.m.
A tenant at the location chased the suspect from the building after catching the suspect trying to break into his office.
Video surveillance shows the suspect entered the building shortly after 5 a.m.
Fortunately, in this instance, officers explain the suspect did not manage to take anything or cause any property damage.
Sixth incident – Feb. 9:
Less than an hour later, police received a call from two businesses on 1800 block Victoria Street.
A man gained entry to the building through an insecure ground-level window, then used the building elevators to gain entry to the businesses.
The suspect took an unknown amount of money from one of the offices and surveillance shows the suspect entered the building at 3 a.m.
Police describe the suspect as:
- White
- Black jacket
- Black hoodie
- Yellow and black backpack
- Blue jeans
- Unique shoes
Prince George RCMP are seeking a suspect caught on video breaking into a Victoria Street business on Feb. 9, 2021. By Prince George RCMPPolice are still investigating all of these incidents and attempting to identify the suspect or suspects involved.
The Prince George RCMP’s Forensic Identification Services have been engaged in several of the files and are processing their evidence in an attempt to help identify a suspect.
"The Prince George RCMP would like to remind everyone to remain vigilant and to take that one last look around before you leave your vehicle or your business for the day," S/Sgt. Chris Riddle.
"Make sure you have not left anything out in your car, including spare change or clothing, and make sure all of your doors and windows are secure. People like this make it their business to find what we have forgotten, so take the extra minute to secure your belongings and deprive them of that opportunity."
Additionally, police are asking those businesses or residences in the areas affected to check their surveillance to see if there is a male matching the description above moving around between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on the mornings of Feb. 8 and Feb. 9.
Anyone with more information is encouraged to call Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300, anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go online to www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca.
