A married senior couple is facing charges for allegedly masterminding a sophisticated fencing ring involving large quantities of stolen property in Vancouver.
Police said they recovered approximately $200,000 worth of stolen products after executing a search warrant last month, on East 20th Avenue near Fraser Street.
Officers allege that a husband-and-wife duo functioned as a "predatory fence," purchasing items from drug addicts who were stealing to support their habit. The couple also purchased items and commissioned thefts from professional thieves, police said Tuesday.
The items were then resold to people from the couple's home, or sent overseas and distributed to smaller retailers, according to police.
Toothbrushes, vitamins, Omega-3 pills, batteries, electric razors, Starbucks travel mugs, purses and packets of instant coffee were included in the loot seized by officers.
"The volume of property seized and observed would suggest that hundreds of crimes were being committed every month to fuel this illicit business," police said, adding they believe the operation has been running for several years.
As a result of the warrants, a 74-year-old and a 69-year-old were arrested. They have both been released pending further investigation and charges to be approved by the Crown.
Police warned members of the public that items with prices that are "too good to be true" are likely stolen.
"Buying stolen property is a criminal offense. You are not only contributing to the problem, but you can be charged criminally," Insp. Earl Andersen said.
Anyone with more information on the underground operation is asked to contact the Anti-Fencing Unit at 604-717-3220, or to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
