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POLICE BEAT: Home owner fights off invader

A man used a small rock pick hammer to fend off a thief climbing through his kitchen window.

A man used a small rock pick hammer to fend off a thief climbing through his kitchen window.

Campbell River RCMP say the home invasion occurred on Friday, around 2:45 a.m., in the 500 block of Rockland Rd. The home owner was awoken by the sound of the break-in, confronted the thief and hit him with the hammer before the culprit fled on foot.

The resident then called 911 and Mounties showed up with the police dog. However, the dog lost the scent a few blocks away.

Anyone with information is asked to contact RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Two arrests for accused trafficker

A 51-year-old Campbell River man is in custody after being arrested twice in five days.

Dennis Johannson was held in jail for allegedly breaching his bail conditions put in place following his first arrest. According to RCMP, Johannson was arrested by members of the Street Crimes Unit following a drug investigation on March 26. It is alleged he was found in possession of a small amount of cocaine and hundreds of dollars in cash. He was later released from custody on conditions, but on March 30, Johannson was arrested again for allegedly breaching his bail. Police say Johannson was a passenger in a vehicle and the male driver was found with cocaine.

The driver cannot be named until he is charged. Police are recommending he be charged with trafficking. Johannson is charged with possession, trafficking and breach of a court order. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 11.

Stolen trucks found

Two trucks stolen from a local dealership have been recovered.

The pair of Dodge pickups were taken from Bill Howich Chrysler overnight on  March 28-29. A third truck was not stolen but there was damage to the ignition. One of the stolen pickups was found just north of the dealership, near the Campbell River cemetery on the Island Highway, while the other was found Sunday night in a downtown alley.

Thefts and attempted theft

Unlocked vehicles present “crimes of opportunity” for thieves, say police.

It also doesn’t help when valuables and cash are left in plain view, inside the unlocked cars and trucks. The latest thefts from vehicles occurred in the 100 block of Thulin St. and the 100 block of Larwood Rd.

Overnight last Thursday and Friday, someone tried breaking into the Sharpening Shop on 15th Avenue. The culprit tried to pry and kick open the door, but failed to get inside.

Fake $50 bills

Police are warning merchants to have a good look at the cash bills they receive.

Some counterfeit $50 bills turned up in the city last week. RCMP said the reproduction of the bills was of poor quality.