The VPD are crediting an alert citizen for information that led to the recovery of stolen property and the arrest of a man who had just broken into a car near Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Police received a 9-1-1 call at around 7 p.m. yesterday from a citizen who observed what he felt was suspicious behaviour in the area of Keefer Street and Heatley Avenue. He reported two people had been kneeling beside a parked vehicle with a smashed window before running off with a guitar case.

The information provided by the witness enabled officers to locate and arrest a 30-year-old Vancouver resident and recover the stolen guitar. Theft and mischief charges have been recommended.

“The arrest was a direct result of the citizen calling 9-1-1 and providing timely information to police,” says Constable Jason Doucette. “This is a perfect example of how the community and police can work together to reduce property crime. We encourage all citizens to report any suspicious behaviour to police immediately.”