Officers from the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment and the police dog service unit from West Shore RCMP tracked down and arrested the suspect in a break-and-enter near Cowichan Bay on Jan. 6.
At 11:15 a.m., police received a call about a break and enter to a home and outbuildings at a property in the Cherry Point Road area.
The suspect left the area when he was discovered inside the house by a witness.
Police attended and set up a perimeter in the area in order to contain the suspect, and police service dog Halla and her handler from West Shore RCMP came to assist.
With Halla’s tracking skillsthe police located a man who matched photos of the suspect.
He was arrested and later released pending an upcoming court appearance.
RCMP Sgt. Colin Douglas recommends that people with seasonal or secondary properties take steps to prevent break and enters or thefts from their properties.
“The property owners in this situation ensured that trusted neighbours kept an eye on their home, and hired someone to check up on it while they were away,” said Douglas.
“These steps helped police to quickly locate and arrest a suspect, and prevented further damage or property loss.”
Other things that property owners can do to secure seasonal or secondary homes include keeping valuables out of view; aiming motion sensor lights at pathways and doors outside, and putting lights or radios inside on timers; installing trail cams around the property; and ensuring doors, windows, and gates are locked.