Charges had been laid in the arrest of three people following a string of thefts from vehicles going back to last October.
Between October, 2014 and Jan. 15, 2015, Campbell River RCMP responded to approximately 308 complaints of thefts from motor vehicles. Campbell River RCMP’s Community Response Unit was assigned to work on the investigation. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Poppy Hallam said tips from the public, surveillance video and solid police work lead the officers to the suspects and on Jan. 16 the first suspect was arrested and in the early morning of Jan. 17 the remaining two suspects were arrested. A warrant to search a residence on Eardley Road was executed and evidence was recovered.
Police announced Today that Mitchell Klody, 18, of Courtenay has been charged with theft under $5,000. Mark Anthony Randall, 20, of Campbell River has been charged with theft under $5,000 and Laura Randall, 25, of Campbell River has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime, and fraudulent use of a credit card.
Since the initial arrest, members of the Community Response Unit compared the items recovered during a search warrant on the residence to open, ongoing investigations involving theft from vehicles, Cpl. Hallam said. More charges are expected against the three accused.
During the course of the investigation, police seized over 100 pieces of evidence related to the thefts from vehicles and will be attempting to reunite these items with the rightful owners.
Const. Peter Wise said Campbell River RCMP will be holding an opportunity for victims to view remaining property items on Thursday, Feb. 5 at the Campbell River RCMP Detachment located at 275 South Dogwood Street. The remaining items consist mostly of jewellery, knives, sunglasses, and digital music players.
Members of the public who had property stolen from their vehicles between October 2014 and January 16, 2015 in the Willow Point or Ocean Grove area are asked to call 250-286-6221 and register in advance to view the property.
Times are available between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. They will be required to provide as detailed a description of the missing item as possible, proof of purchase if available, or a serial number. Previous pictures of the item will also assist.