At a news conference, Det.-Const. Phil Ens held up one of the stolen tools: a red and black drill with the first name Fred written on it twice.
During the course of going through the stolen goods, Ens said he came across a lot of equipment belonging to "Fred."
"We have one guy we'd love to meet, his name is Fred," said Ens, of the Vancouver Police Department, referring to goods recovered from two residences in Richmond and Burnaby. Some of the goods were stolen as long ago as 2010.
The biggest single category, he said, are tools and construction equipment stolen from independent contractors.
"(Fred) became a good buddy of ours because we kept finding him everywhere. Fred, if you're out there, get a hold of us please."
Ens said four suspects are expected to be arrested next week and charged with offences that include theft, possession of stolen property and trafficking in stolen property.
Most of the goods were stolen in Vancouver and Richmond from houses that were under construction and from garages and vehicles, he said.
Ens said police have already been able to identify about 20 victims. Some of the stolen goods have been returned but Ens is asking for the public's help so more can be returned to its owners.
Anyone with police file numbers or other descriptive details can reach him at 604-717-0502.
Vancouver police are preparing a series of criminal charges against four men in connection with the theft of more than $100,000 worth of construction equipment, tools, sporting goods and computers.
Charges are expected to be laid next week.
Ens said one of the biggest frustrations as he stood in front of the recovered goods was that They were stealing the livelihood of blue-collar workers who are the hardest workers in our community"
Ens, who works in the Auto Crime Enforcement Unit, said he's already talked to some of the victims. Many were put in difficult situations trying to meet commitments without their tools and equipment. They couldn't go out on jobs or finish what they were doing until they dealt with insurance companies or tried to arrange loans to replace thousands of dollars worth of equipment and tools.
