FILE: 2023-4632 – A proactive foot patrol netted the arrest of a gasoline thief this past weekend.
On August 5, 2023 just after 2:30 a.m., a Port Moody Police frontline officer was conducting foot patrols near Murray Street when he located a suspicious vehicle with several jerry cans in plain view. A male was located a short distance away, hiding from the officer. It was determined he had broken into a nearby industrial property and tampered with a fuel supply – siphoning more than 120 litres of gasoline from it. He was arrested and a total 11 jerry cans were seized from him and his vehicle, 7 of which had been filled by the time he was intercepted.
The suspect is a man in his 50’s and known to police. Multiple charges relating to this elaborate break & enter are being recommended to Crown Counsel.
“It’s not uncommon to see increases in property crime during the summer months, though this particular incident is quite unusual” states Constable Sam Zacharias, “of note, we have seen upticks in bicycle and catalytic converter thefts over the past two months.”
These types of incidents can be difficult to prevent but the public is encouraged to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to police immediately.
Constable Sam Zacharias, #122
Media Relations Officer, Port Moody Police Department
(t) 604-461-3456 (f) 604-461-1734