BURNABY RCMP’s Prolific Offender Suppression Team (POST) will be forwarding numerous charges after a series of mail and package thefts in an apartment building in the Metrotown area.
Leading up to Christmas, between October and December of 2021, Burnaby RCMP responded to several reports of package theft at an apartment building near Dunblane Avenue and Imperial Street. POST took over the investigation and quickly identified a suspect, who was known to them.
On December 23, after weeks of investigation and the execution of several judicial authorizations, POST arrested a 42-year-old Burnaby man in his home, which was in the same building where the thefts had been occurring.
Over $5,000 worth of merchandise had been stolen and more than two dozen victims of theft were identified.
Investigators plan on forwarding at least 10 charges of theft to the BC Prosecution Service as the investigation continues.
“This was an unusual situation, where the suspect was allegedly committing crime so close to his home, knowingly victimizing his neighbours,” said Inspector Matt Toews, Investigative Services Officer with the Burnaby RCMP. “We are proud of the quick action taken by POST in identifying a suspect and making an arrest.”
Some preventative steps can help protect your mail and packages from theft:
- Pick up your mail daily
- Have mail held or redirected if you are going to be away for any length of time
- Don’t let anyone you don’t recognize as a resident into your building
- If you move, file a change of address with Canada Post as soon as possible
- Report suspicious activity to police
Police warn that there is a lot of information criminals can obtain through your mail.
For more information on how to prevent mail and identity theft, click HERE.
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