AT approximately 5 p.m. on January 20, a resident in New Westminster’s Sapperton neighbourhood called 9-1-1 to report that he was the victim of a theft. The man had returned home to find a pile of his belongings stacked outside his basement door and a stranger inside the basement.

The suspect fled after being confronted by the resident. New Westminster Police Department officers arrived and began searching the area for the suspect.

Officers were assisted by another citizen in the area who saw what they believed to be a suspect evading police. This citizen provided police valuable information and the suspect was safely taken into custody a short distance away.

Crown Counsel has approved a charge of break and enter against 37-year-old Caleb Woodsford from New Westminster.

“The person who saw the suspect fleeing the area knew something wasn’t right and called us. Thanks to the helpful information they provided we were able to make this arrest,” said Sgt. Sanjay Kumar. “We would like to remind all residents that if you see someone breaking into a home, that’s a call to 9-1-1.”