RICHMOND RCMP Property Crime Unit and frontline officers investigated six files in which the same man was alleged to have committed the offences. The offences included a commercial break-and-enter in the 11000-block of Bridgeport Road on January 30 and a commercial break-and-enter at a business in the 8000-block of Granville Avenue on February 9.

“When the break-and-enter call first comes, it’s typically our frontline officers that attend. This first attendance is extremely important as it begins the evidence collection process,” said Cpl. Ray Basi, NCO in-charge of Richmond RCMP Property Crime Unit.

“Officers from our Property Crime Unit then review and provide investigative support to each of these investigations. In doing so, they often recognize the serial nature of the break-and-enters, which can result in the identification of the offender. In this case, it’s resulted in a known offender pleading guilty to seven charges which span six separate investigations.”

As part of their mandate, officers from Richmond RCMP Property Crime Unit monitor and target the highest priority offenders. This form of intelligence-led policing helps police identify repeat offenders and better coordinate their efforts to curb property crime in our community, said police.

Darren Clifford Belcourt pled guilty to seven charges and was sentenced to 180 days in jail.

If you have been a victim or witness to an offence, Richmond RCMP encourages you to contact your police of jurisdiction. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.solvecrime.ca.