Four suspects have been arrested following a police investigation into a rash of summertime residential break-ins in Nanaimo.
More than 100 break ins were reported to police throughout June, July and August, many of which happened during daylight hours when the suspects would case homes to wait for homeowners to leave, according to a press release from Nanaimo RCMP. In some instances, thieves posed as telecommunications or window repair workers and were careful not leave evidence outside the homes to delay discovery of the crimes.
Police, acting on tips from the general public, information from other officers and evidence gathered by RCMP forensic investigators, executed four search warrants Aug. 29 on two properties in Cedar, arrested the suspects and seized 150 items, including cash, electronics, passports and jewelry.
Braiden Rathy, 26, of Nanaimo, is charged with 22 counts of break and enter.
Douglas Rathy, 53, and his wife, Ruth, 56, face two counts of possession of stolen property and a 33-year-old unidentified woman scheduled to appear in Nanaimo provincial court Thursday also faces charges of possession of stolen property and fraud.
Braiden Rathy remains in custody to appear by video in Nanaimo provincial court again on Tuesday (Sept. 8). Douglas and Ruth Rathy will also make their first court appearance Tuesday.
Police are still investigating another 30 property offences and are working to return property already seized to its owners.