Vancouver police have arrested a man after linking him to nine residential break-ins on the West Side by using DNA evidence left at the crime scene.
Darcy Paul Knape, 52, was charged with nine counts of break-and-enter and remains in custody.
Police say DNA evidence links at least 11 break-ins that occured in the city between 2005 and 2011. In many of these cases, according to the VPD, the suspect smashed windows and skylights to enter the homes. Officers investigating these crime scenes at the time located and collected evidence that allowed for DNA analysis.
The most recent sample was submitted to the lab in May 2016. Police say it "matched the same offender" from 10 other unsolved break-ins.
The VPD said property crime investigators identified a suspect, gathered additional evidence, and were able to confirm a DNA match. Investigations are still open for two of those 11 offenses.
“Reducing property crime remains a priority for the VPD, and modern-day science is helping us make a difference,” said police spokesman Jason Doucette in a news release.
“We also rely on residents to record their property’s serial numbers and unique features to increase the chance of getting their property back if it’s stolen. It also increases the odds a thief may be arrested and charged if they are caught with that property," he said.
