Friday, March 29, 2024

Police recover stolen property worth more than $100,000 from Saanich home

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The Saanich Police Department have recovered over $100,000 in stolen property from a home in the 5800 block of the Pat Bay Highway. There was so much stuff, Saanich Police had to obtain an extra storage container for the items.

SGT. Steve Eassie says this is the largest amount of stolen property they have recovered from one crime ring.

The investigation began after the arrest of two males in early October by the Oceanside RCMP. They were alleged to be in the commission of a break and enter in the Qualicum Beach area.

During investigation of that crime, it was discovered some of the stolen property reported to police linked them to incidents that happened in the Greater Victoria area, Vancouver Island, as well as incidents in the Lower Mainland.

Information from this investigation was reviewed and there was information that appeared to possibly link the suspects to an address in Saanich.

The Saanich Police Street Crime Unit, with the assistance from the Crime Analyst, identified a female of interest that appeared to be in a relationship with one of the suspects arrested in Oceanside.

A possible link to an ATM Theft file that had taken place in late July in the Saanich area was established, based on information as well as surveillance footage photographs.

On October 7, 2015, Oceanside RCMP assisted Saanich Police by arresting the female after she had attended to the RCMP Detachment to recover some of her personal property that had been seized earlier that week.

Saanich Police investigators attended to Oceanside and interviewed the female accused prior to releasing her on a Promise to Appear to attend court at a later date.

A warrant to search a residence in the 5800 block of the pat Bay Highway was obtained and a search of the property found over $100,000 in suspected stolen property.

Items seized from the property included generators, tools, jewelery, personal identification, and firearms. As a result of the ongoing investigation there have been numerous property owners that have been identified and contacted.

A large amount of personal property has yet to be identified or claimed and investigators are looking to identify the property owners to return the property, as well as to recommend further charges against the two accused if warranted.

Charges against the two accused have been recommended and approved by Crown counsel.

Two suspects face a total of 90 charges. Charged are Darren George Chernoff, 45 years old, who is currently awaiting a further court appearance in early December and has been remanded in custody.

Zoe Jacqueline THOMPSON, 26 years old, was originally released from custody and was to appear in court on November 17, 2015. A warrant of arrest for Thompson has been issued.

Both were residents of Saanich at the time of their arrests.

If have you had something stolen from your property click here to see a full list of stolen items that still need to be reunited with the rightful owners.

If you have been a victim of a crime and observe your property, please contact the Saanich Police non-emergency line at 250-475-4321.

Anyone that may have information about the location of Zoe Thomposn, or anyone that may have information relating to this investigation, are asked to contact Saanich Police at 250-475-4321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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Victoria Buzz Staffhttps://www.victoriabuzz.com
Your inside source for Greater Victoria happenings. Established in 2012.

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