Langley RCMP arrested a 33-year-old Surrey woman accused of stealing from mailboxes and breaking into vehicles in Willoughby. Police allege she had several garage door openers in her possession when she was arrested.
On June 30, around 4 a.m., police were called to a condominium complex in Willoughby for a report of a female going through the building’s mailboxes and also the vehicles parked at the outdoor parking.
Officers arrived and observed a woman riding a mountain bike matching the description provided. She initially fled but was apprehended quite quickly, said Langley RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Holly Largy.
She was arrested for theft from a motor vehicle and possession of stolen property. During the arrest, she was allegedly found with a small amount of a powder believed to be cocaine, two cell phones, a GPS, several garage door openers, loose change, a bank book, various mail, a flashlight and a glass breaking tool.
She was released from custody and is supposed to appear in Provincial Court Sept. 22.
“While this arrest is considered a small victory in the battle against the recent property crime spree, it should not be taken as an opportunity to lessen our security efforts," said Largy. "If nothing else, it serves as a reminder to remain vigilant – report suspicious persons/activity and remove your belongings from your vehicle."
Langley RCMP put out a warning last week, after two Willoughby homes were broken into while the residents slept. In both cases, the cat burglars gained access to the homes using stolen garage openers. The interior door connecting to the homes were unlocked.
Willoughby has seen a spike in crime for more than a month now.