A joint investigation by Nanaimo and Gabriola RCMP detachments has lead to the arrest of a 45-year-old Gabriola man who allegedly used a stolen credit card at a Nanaimo gas station.
Oliver Petersen entered the Mid Island Co-op gas bar on Victoria Crescent Feb. 20 and allegedly used the credit card to buy merchandise. Petersen was seen on video surveillance using the card and identified by investigators.
The card was stolen during a break and enter of a Gabriola Island home on Feb. 19.
Petersen was arrested Feb. 25 and charged with possessing and using a stolen credit card. He is being held in custody until his next court appearance Tuesday (March 11).
“This is a perfect example of the two detachments working together to put offenders behind bars in an efficient and timely manner," said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman.
The detachments often share similar files and resources. Nanaimo RCMP auxiliary police officers have assisted for several years with crowd control during an annual music festival on Gabriola. During emergency issues requiring additional personnel, Nanaimo RCMP can have resources on the island within an hour, often utilizing Nanaimo Harbour Patrol.
“This file came together quite nicely as a result of the ongoing co-operation between our two detachments," said Cpl. Markus Muntener, Gabriola detachment commander. "By removing this prolific offender from the Island, residents should see a significant decrease in their already low crime rate.”