Monday, March 18, 2024

VicPD continue search for man who caused thousands of dollars in damage to a rental property

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Victoria Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 38-year-old Brandon Wildman who is a person of interest in a recent investigation, and who has multiple other outstanding warrants for his arrest.

In the most recent investigation, Wildman allegedly failed to pay his rental fee, caused damage, and stole from a short-term rental property that cost the homeowner thousands of dollars.

The property owner told police that while she usually requires identity verification before renting a property, she had foregon this step for Wildman after a relative posted the listing on a website that does not need verification.

“Despite her misgivings, the property owner agreed to rent the property to the man, despite not having met him, seen him in person, nor being able to independently verify his identity,” said VicPD in a release.

“Upon her return home, she discovered the thefts and the extensive damage.”

Investigators are reminding property owners to avoid renting places to people they have not met, to secure valuables when renting furnished spaces to strangers, and to collect damage deposits. If you are using a short term rental service like AirBnB, VicPD recommends you only rent to approved people.

While police did not give an exact number for the damage dealt and items stolen in the investigation, they did say the amount is over $5000.

Besides this latest incident, Wildman has other warrants out for his arrest that are related to similar investigations involving theft and damage to short-term rental accommodations.

He is described as a 38-year-old Caucasian male standing 5’ 10” with a thin build. He is balding but often shaves his head and sometimes has a trimmed moustache or beard.

Wildman may also be using the alias of David Howden. Police say that he has been arrested for offenses in which he was using the fake identity.

If you see Brandon Wildman, call 911 immediately.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call VicPD at 250-995-7654 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

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Adam Chan
Former Staff Writer at Victoria Buzz.

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