Thieves targeting parking garages
Underground parking garages in Victoria are being hit by thieves, with 28 incidents reported to Victoria police this year.
Investigators suspect there could be more break-ins that have not been reported.
Spokesman Const. Matt Rutherford said many of the break-ins happen overnight, and bicycles or items left in vehicles are being taken.
The department has released surveillance footage of one man suspected of a break-in at a parking garage in the 800 block of Rupert Terrace, near the Inner Harbour.
One bike owner got his expensive bicycle back even before learning it had been stolen from a secure parking area.
On March 1, a community resource officer found the road bike during a routine patrol and determined it was in the department’s bicycle registry, Rutherford said. The officer called the owner to arrange for its return.
West Shore RCMP are also investigating several vehicle break-ins Tuesday morning in Langford.
At least nine vehicles were broken into in the 2900 block of Humpback Road. Items ranging from electronics to coffee cards were taken.
“A homeowner reported seeing two people walking by at the time of the thefts, with one of the individuals reportedly carrying a duffel bag,” said Const. John Varley of West Shore RCMP.