The owner marked his items and searched on-line sales platforms

RICHMOND RCMP received a report on April 16 of an alleged break-and-enter to a residence under construction where a number of tools were stolen. According to the complainant it had occurred between 5:30 p.m. on April 15 and 9:20 a.m. on April 16.

The complainant contacted police a second time later that day and advised he had found his tools for sale on Facebook Marketplace. He said he was able to identify them based on specific markings he had put on them.

On April 17, Richmond RCMP Property Crime Unit (PCU) executed a search warrant at a residence in the 4500-block of Sorenson Crescent. The PCU recovered a number of the alleged stolen tools as well as items associated to another Richmond RCMP investigation.

“When we locate stolen items, we want to be able to return them to their rightful owner. Keeping a record of serial numbers or adding identifiable marks can assist police in recovering and returning items that have been stolen,” said Cpl. Ryan Lee, Richmond RCMP Property Crime Unit. “In this case the owner’s due diligence both in marking his items and searching on-line sales platforms assisted us in advancing our investigation and recovering not only his property but other people’s as well.”