2 arrested after complex break-in, bike theft in Vancouver's West End
Police say they've arrested two men suspected of a sophisticated bike theft that took place in Vancouver's West End earlier this week.
The incident happened in the early hours of Oct. 25. Police said thieves showed up at the apartment building near Nelson and Bidwell streets with tools and suction cups, which they used to quietly remove the glass from a door to the building.
“This is another example of the extreme lengths some offenders will go to in order to commit crimes,” said Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Const. Tania Visintin.
“It shows that even when people take steps to protect their property, some thieves will stop at nothing.”
The thieves stole "several" bicycles that were being stored inside the building, police said.
Images of the thieves were posted on Facebook and Reddit, and were later shared by local media as well. The VPD attributed its arrests in the case to a tip from a member of the public who saw the photos and contacted police.
“Thanks to the tip from the public, officers were able to track down the suspects and recover the bikes," Visintin said.
Two men in their 30s have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing, according to VPD.
Residents and business owners in Vancouver's downtown neighbourhoods have complained about rising crime in the area, with assaults on strangers and violent shoplifting prompting particular concern.
VPD statistics do not show a significant increase in the number of reported assaults, but violent shoplifting cases (those that involve a weapon or violent conduct) have increased dramatically since 2019.
From January to September, the number of calls for both break-ins declined city-wide compared to the same period of 2020. The 2,768 total break-ins reported during the period in 2021 is also lower than it was in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to VPD statistics.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.