Saanich Police have arrested two prolific and well-known property offenders after a series of residential break and enters in the Shelbourne area between July and August.
Timothy Gratto, 36, remains in custody and is facing three counts of break and enter.
The other suspect, a 37-year-old man, was arrested on August 20th in Saanich and police are recommending one count of break and enter.
In a media release, Saanich Police said between July 9th and August 21st, five residential complex units on Shelbourne Street, Richmond Road, Cedar Hill Cross Road and Church Avenue were broken into.
Tools, electronics, packages, and firearms, were among some of the items stolen in the series of crimes.
Upon investigation, Saanich Police believed these crimes were connected and were thus able to identify two suspects.
On August 27th, one of the suspects was arrested in the 3600 block of Richmond Road upon which officers discovered several items linking him to the crimes.
That weekend, Saanich Police conducted a search warrant of his residence, resulting in the discovery of several more stolen items.
Despite this, Saanich Police are concerned with the stolen firearms they’ve yet to uncover.
“Our focus right now is to locate outstanding firearms. They include a shotgun, a rifle, and a handgun,” Saanich Police said in a statement.
Police said that the owners of many of the stolen recovered items have been notified and efforts are underway to return their property to them.
Saanich Police is encouraging anyone with information on the whereabouts of firearms to contact them at 250-475-4321.
