A Richmond man has been arrested after a security guard saw him allegedly breaking into a vehicle.
According to Richmond RCMP, a security guard contacted them on Feb. 15 at 3:42 a.m. after he saw a man allegedly breaking into a parked vehicle in a secure parkade.
Police then surrounded the parkade and patrolled the area before finding the suspect sitting inside a vehicle he had allegedly just broken into.
Several other vehicles in the parkade were also found with smashed-in windows.
Two charges have since been laid against Kent James Armstrong, 44, by the B.C. Prosecution Service.
Armstrong has been charged with one count of break and enter with the intent to commit an indictable offence and one count of mischief under $5,000.
RCMP said the investigation remains active and ongoing, and more charges may be laid.
“This is another example of how, even though your vehicle may be parked in a secure lot, it can still be broken into,” said Const. Kenneth Lau.
“Thanks to alert actions of the security guard and the quick response of frontline officers at the scene, we arrested the individual and limited any further damages. If you see anyone acting suspiciously who may not belong in the area, contact the police immediately.”
RCMP have also provided tips to help prevent thefts from vehicles:
- Wait and watch until the gate of your parkade closes when entering and exiting;
- Do not leave any valuables or change in your vehicle;
- Contact the police to report suspicious persons or activities.
