Vancouver Police arrested a man early Friday morning, after keen-eyed officers allegedly observed him breaking into a house near West 16th Avenue and Ontario Street, where two people were sleeping inside.

“This is another example of the outstanding, proactive police work performed day and night by our front line officers,” says VPD Constable Steve Addison. “The quick and decisive action of our members resulted in this arrest, and prevented irreplaceable mementos from being stolen.”

The officers were patrolling the neighbourhood at around 2 a.m. on April 12, after a citizen called to report someone acting suspicious. Plain-clothed officers – wearing casual clothing to blend in – began watching a man who was acting suspiciously. They followed him to a home, and allegedly saw him break in through the front door and remove multiple items.

Police confronted the suspect when he exited the house. The man did not surrender willingly, and a VPD canine unit helped take him into custody. He received treatment at hospital for a dog bite before being transported to jail and charged.

“Anyone who sees something that doesn’t look or feel right should call 9-1-1 immediately so police can investigate,” adds Constable Addison. “Because someone took the time to call, police were able to respond quickly and apprehend a suspect.”

Twenty-four-year-old Steven Henry Hall faces multiple charges related to property offences.