A day after popular family bookstore Russell Books reported that $55,000 worth of antiquarian books were stolen from the shop, VicPD has safely returned the property back to its owners.
With the help of the public and CCTV footage provided by the owners, police learned that shortly after the theft, the suspect tried to enter a multi-unit temporary housing property located on the 800-block of Johnson Street.
After the attempt to enter proved unsuccessful, the suspect responsible for the robbery left several books scattered throughout the 800-block of Johnson Street.
The misplaced books were then picked up by another individual who later turned the items over to police.
Later in the afternoon of Thursday, February 9th, VicPD located the suspect matching the description of the CCTV footage.
Upon his arrest, the suspect was found with $22,000 worth of stolen books in his possession. .
Officers later discovered the suspect had three outstanding arrest warrants in BC for alleged mischief under $5,000, stolen property possession over $5,000, and break and enter with intent.
He was held in custody and is expected to appear in court.
The investigation continues after new information has found a second individual entered the business shortly after the initial break and enter and had also stolen books.
This person is still outstanding.
With humour in stride, the owners of the local bookshop took to social media to express their gratitude to the public and local police for helping the local business reclaim its antique items.
“After what must have been a frightening day, Walt Whitman and some of his friends from the 1600’s spent the night recuperating at our house. Thank you everyone for the positive thoughts. A big thank you to our downtown community and especially VicPD @vicpdcanada for getting our property back in less than 24 hours!”
