In the early morning hours of June 1, 2011 four youths, two females aged 14 and two males aged 16 were arrested for Break and Enter and Mischief Under $5000 to a vacant office space and construction area connected to a business in the 100 block of 1st Avenue East in Prince Rupert’s downtown core.
At 3:41 a.m. the alarm to the business was triggered and police were dispatched to the area. The suspects gained entry through the construction area and smashed a hole in the wall with a sledge hammer between the vacant office space and the business. Information was received from taxi drivers that four youths were observed running with a bag near PJ’s Market. Taxi drivers kept the police informed on the youth’s location until they were located and arrested on Hays Cove Avenue.
“The RCMP would like to thank the taxi drivers for their assistance, the information provided us with the opportunity to quickly locate and arrest the suspects” states Cst. Laura Lechky of the Prince Rupert RCMP.
“This is the perfect example of how citizens can help solve crime in their community.”
Police Dog Services were called to the scene and stolen items were recovered. Forensic Identification Section has analysed the scene and is also analysing the stolen items for further evidence.
At this time the cost of the damages to the business and construction area are unknown. Police officers are attempting to locate the owner of a work bag that was recovered only feet away from the youths at the time of apprehension. The bag contained spray paint, a small blow torch and other miscellaneous items. The bag may have been stolen from a vehicle.
One of the two males is being additionally charged with Possession of a Prohibited Weapon and the other is being additionally charged with Possession of break-in Instrument and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.
The Prince Rupert RCMP is also investigating mischief to five vehicles in the 200 block of Crestview Drive. A can of spray paint as well as a fire extinguisher was left at the scene.
“Five cars were spray painted while parked on the street outside their homes in the Crestview area, causing approximately $2000.00 damage” states Cst. Laura Lechky.
“It is unknown at this time if the two incidents are connected to the youths and the investigation is ongoing.”
The RCMP is looking for the public’s assistance with tips or information related to either of these incidents. If you saw anything or have any knowledge of these crimes or have been a victim and have not yet reported it, you are asked to call the Prince Rupert RCMP at 250-627-0700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Crime Stoppers pays cash for information leading to an arrest.