Saanich Police have identified and arrested a man after a rash of mailbox thefts around the region.
The suspect was caught on video surveillance at several of the break-ins and those photos were then posted on Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers Facebook page, which circulated widely.
It is alleged the suspect broke into eight apartment buildings and targeted the centralized mailboxes in the common/lobby areas.
On Friday, August 6th, a person, who saw the photo of the man online, spotted the suspect at Uptown Shopping Centre and called police.
Saanich Police were able to locate the man and took him into custody after confirming he was the suspect they were seeking.
Police said the arrest revealed items that led officers to believe the suspect was using the mail he was stealing to collect personal information.
“It is suspected that this information would later be used to assume identities and commit thefts and frauds, which is common with identity theft,” Saanich Police said in a statement.
According to police, the suspect, a 45-year-old man from Nanaimo, has a length criminal history of similar type offences.
He was later released on conditions, a court date, and recommended charges related
to break and enter and possession of stolen property.
If you think you may have fallen victim to fraud, please call us at 250-475-4321. You can also find resources at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and Equifax.
