Hope

2023-01-25 09:44 PST

File # 2023-2903

Hope RCMP have arrested a 37 year old man in connection with a business break and enter which occurred in Hope early Monday morning.

At approximately 6:45 am on Monday, January 23, 2023, Hope RCMP received a report of a suspicious male in the 300 block of Wallace Street after a concerned passerby observed a smashed front door and a male exiting a local business carrying a black garbage bag. Moments later, police received a call from the business’s alarm company advising of multiple activations within the business. A police car was in the area and responded soon after the first call. The suspect had already fled the area but was reported to be last seen running southbound on Fourth Avenue wearing grey sweatpants and a blue flannel jacket. While the responding police officer investigated the break-in at the scene, other police officers conducted patrols in search of the suspect.

About an hour later, Hope RCMP located and arrested a 37 year old Hope man in connection with this crime. The man is well known to police. Mounties recovered all of the merchandise stolen during this break and enter which is valued at approximately $2000. The recovered merchandise has since been returned it to the store owner. Investigation into this commercial break and enter continues. Hope RCMP will be recommending charges of Break & Enter & Theft against the 37 year old Hope resident who is well known to police.

Hope RCMP remain committed to increased patrols and visibility to deter criminal activity in our community, says Staff Sergeant Farlin, Detachment Commander for the Hope RCMP. This investigation is a great example of a concerned citizen reporting suspicious activity to police. The report was made prior to the alarm company reporting the break-in and it gave us a great head start. In this case, an astute citizen’s observations allowed us to gather information in a timely manner, which ultimately assisted our ability to effect a quick arrest.

Filed under: arrest, break and enter, Business, Fraser Valley, hope, Hope BC, rcmp, Recovered merchandise, Store