Just before 9 p.m. on October 17, officers watched as a man allegedly smashed a window on a bait car parked in the multi-level parking lot on West Pender Street near Richards Street. The suspect reached into the vehicle, grabbed property, and was arrested as he tried to flee.

“Our officers noticed a slight increase in theft from autos over last year in the downtown core and took action,” says VPD Constable Jason Doucette. “Although the property in the car looked generic and didn’t appear valuable, the thief still smashed the window. Help us prevent thefts by not leave anything visible in your vehicle.”

Thirty-seven-year-old Casey James Smith of Vancouver has been charged with theft, mischief, possession of break-in instruments, and possession of stolen property. He is in custody.

The public is encouraged to familiarize themselves with the VPD’s GeoDash, an interactive mapping tool, and GeoDash Crime Stats, to enhance community awareness of crime and policing activity in Vancouver. For additional crime prevention tips, visit vpd.ca.