NORTH Vancouver RCMP are seeking public assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a break-and-enter and attempted theft of several thousand dollars worth of cheese.

On September 29 at approximately 4 a.m., North Vancouver RCMP’s frontline officers were conducting proactive patrols near East 13th Street and a laneway adjacent to Lonsdale Avenue when they came across a cart full of cheese.

As officers went on foot to investigate, a male appeared from a stairwell connected to Whole Foods and departed quickly after seeing the officers. Officers attempted to stop the man, as they suspected the cheese to be stolen, but the suspect fled and was not able to be identified. The presence of the officers conducting proactive patrols interrupted the suspect’s attempt to steal the cart full of cheese.

Officers continued with their investigation and noted the suspect had broken into the Whole Foods and was in the process of stealing the cheese when the officers arrived. Officers followed up with staff who assessed the total cost of the cheese to be $12,800. Sadly, the cheese was no longer able to be sold after it left the fridge, police said.

“While this was great work by our officers, the investigation is not complete. We are releasing CCTV video of the suspect in hopes that someone may recognize the suspect and call police,” said Constable Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for North Vancouver RCMP, on Thursday.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file #2024-19909. Those who wish to provide information but want to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).