Vancouver Police arrested a known property crime offender in downtown Vancouver on Thursday after they observed him smash the window of a parked car and steal bags that were visible inside.
Police officers observed the man walking down East Cordova Street at around 3 p.m. on November 29. The suspect allegedly walked up to a vehicle, glanced inside, and then suddenly smashed the window. He was arrested as he tried to leave the area with two bags that were inside the car.
“Sadly, this crime is very common in Vancouver but it is also completely preventable,” says Constable Jason Doucette, VPD. “As demonstrated in this situation, it only takes a second for a thief to identify a target, smash the window, and steal whatever is in plain view.”
Typically, there is an increase in the number of reports made to the VPD about items stolen from vehicles during the holiday season.
“Thieves are opportunists, and during the holidays, they will look for items left visible in vehicles,” adds Constable Doucette. “As people do their holiday shopping this weekend, we are reminding them not to leave any property, regardless of its value, visible in their cars.”
Delphis John Charette, 46, of Vancouver has been charged with theft of the property, and mischief for smashing the window. He is in custody.
