14 arrested following VPD’s electronics ‘bait’ sting
Posted October 11, 2018 9:29 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Fourteen people have been arrested following a project by the Vancouver Police Department targeting theft of personal electronics from coffee shops and patios.
The department launched a bait program after noticing the number of thefts of phones and tablets was up.
“They utilize plain clothed officers with bait phones or tablets and set up a sting more or less where these devices were stolen and officers observed the crimes being committed and were able to make the arrest,” said Sg.t Jason Robillard.
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Out of the 14 arrested, Robillard said 10 people have been charged with theft. All the ten men charged with theft are from Vancouver, and range in age from 23 to 57.
“I don’t believe this is a united front or an organized type of ring or anything, these are crimes of opportunity,” Robillard added.
He said charges against the remaining four suspects are pending.
Vancouver police said this should serve as a reminder for people to keep an eye on their belongings.
