A Campbell River woman attempted to stop thieves from getting away by smashing their windshield Monday morning.
On April 25 at approximately 5:30 a.m., police responded to a call in the 3000 block of South Island Highway from a homeowner who had just interrupted a theft on her property, RCMP spokesperson Const. Sara Clark said.
“She woke up and opened the blinds, as she usually does in the morning, and looked outside to see two males trying to steal a large brass propeller from her yard,” Const Clark said. “She ran out of the residence yelling at them and as they fled she took the tire iron they had dropped and smashed the passenger side windshield and hit the passenger window.”
The suspects fled in the vehicle which is described as a white medium sized car, possibly 10-20 years old. The driver is described as approximately 5’10, 200 lbs, stocky build, bald and wearing a orange shirt. The passenger is described as approximately 6 ft, 180 lbs, slim build and a black hoodie.
“The propellers were well secured and would have been very difficult to steal, however, we would like to remind the public to ensure valuable items on their property are secured. We tend to see a rise in thefts this time of year as the weather warms and daylight hours extend,” said Const. Clark.
Police seized evidence from the scene and the investigation is ongoing.
This incident is one of two metal thefts that occurred early Monday morning. The other theft was also interrupted, but by security guards. The property representative was able to give a strong description of the suspects and the items and an arrest was able to be made down-Island at a metal recycler. The suspect, a 27-year-old male and resident of Crofton, has an extensive criminal history with these types of thefts and was on conditions not to possess copper wire and tools. He is due to appear in court today in Duncan.
At this time police do not believe the two thefts are related.
Campbell River RCMP is asking if anyone has any information on these incidents or the suspect vehicle to contact Campbell River RCMP at (250) 286-6221 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.