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Vancouver Police arrest 14 alleged thieves using 'bait electronics'

The Vancouver Police have arrested 14 people using 'bait electronics' in downtown coffee shops in order to target thieves.

Vancouver Police have arrested 14 people using 'bait electronics' in downtown coffee shops in order to target thieves.

Police launched the project after they noticed an increase in the theft of electronic devices from patios and coffee shops in downtown Vancouver.

The recent project targeted the theft of personal electronics by strategically placing electronics and then tracking them when stolen. A group of offices conducted eight days of the targeted enforcement commencing in early September and into October.

 Photo: laptop coffee shop / shutterstockPhoto: laptop coffee shop / shutterstock

“We continue to see thieves preying on people who are not keeping a close eye on their belongings while out in public,” says Sergeant Jason Robillard, Vancouver Police. “If you’re not watching your stuff in a public place, chances are, someone else is.”

As a result of the project, officers arrested 14 people, and ten were charged with theft. Charges against the remaining four individuals are pending.

The following ten Vancouver residents have been charged:

  • David Bongaards, 54
  • Fardin Daneshvar Kalkhorani, 52
  • Andrew Dick, 45
  • James Dixon, 42
  • Ricardo Dos Santos, 44
  • Parker Grieve, 23
  • Nolan Havas, 43
  • Michael Irwin, 44
  • Edward Jules, 57
  • David Unick, 30

“We are working to protect people and their property, but it only takes a moment for a thief to steal a cell phone, tablet or computer. I encourage people to keep an eye on their belongings because someone else might be waiting for an opportunity to take them,” adds Sergeant Robillard.

“As for thieves, the VPD will continue to use innovative tactics to fight property crime throughout the city. The next thing you steal might send you directly to jail.”

For information on crime prevention, including on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of theft, review “Who’s watching it when you’re not”.