What appeared to be a theft of a boat on June 8 very quickly mushroomed into multiple thefts of boats and from boats docked on Maple Bay.
At approximately noon that day, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP responded to a call for service from a Genoa Road resident reporting that her landlord’s boat had just been stolen from his dock on Maple Bay.
The boat owner borrowed a second boat and gave chase.
He was able to catch up with the man responsible for the theft and confronted him, but the man quickly left the scene.
The RCMP’s West Coast marine section was in the area at the time and was able to lend a valuable hand in the investigation along with the assistance of the RCMP police dog services.
Together with the help of some accommodating neighbours, the dog handler and his furry partner Herc were able to hitch a ride across the water and within a very short time, the suspect was in custody.
“From the keen observation skills of the tenant to the highly trained canine member and his handler, all the pieces fell into place, bringing this man into custody, “said RCMP Cpl. Krista Hobday.
A 25 year-old Duncan man is currently in police custody after the incident.
He will be brought before a Justice with numerous break and enter and theft charges being recommended.
The RCMP’s street crime unit is piecing together numerous reports of thefts that they believe this man is responsible for, crossing multiple jurisdictions.
The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are requesting that if you have information on this or any other crime, call 250-748-5522, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).