BURNABY RCMP recovered approximately $500,000 worth of stolen specialized surveying equipment after a North Burnaby business was targeted in two break-and-enters in less than 24 hours.

Just after 6 a.m., on November 13, frontline officers attended a business near Still Creek Avenue and Douglas Road for a report of a break-and-enter and theft of approximately $500,000 worth of equipment.

On November 14, at approximately 3 a.m. — less than 24 hours after the first theft —  Burnaby RCMP frontline officers responded to a second break-and-enter in progress at the same North Burnaby business. Nearly $30,000 worth of gear was reported to have been stolen during the second break-in.

Burnaby RCMP’s Strike Force Unit, which specializes in robberies and property crime, assumed conduct of the two investigations.

On November 15, the Strike Force Unit, along with several other Burnaby RCMP sections, executed search warrants on three residences in Mission, where the equipment was located and seized.

Three vehicles were also seized and a man and woman were arrested and released.

“Several specialized sections of the Burnaby RCMP, including our frontline officers, displayed a high degree of urgency and perseverance to quickly locate and recover this valuable equipment and return it to it’s rightful owners,” said Inspector Matt Toews, Burnaby RCMP’s Investigative Services Officer. “The end result was the successful recovery and return of half a million dollars worth of stolen property, which will allow the targeted business to remain operational.”

The investigation is ongoing.