West Shore RCMP are investigating two smash-and-grab break-ins at pharmacies on Monday that are likely linked to similar break-ins for prescription drugs the same day in Saanich.
A burglar smashed through the front glass door of Pacific Compounding Pharmacy at 284 Helmcken Rd. at about 1:30 a.m., said West Shore RCMP spokesman Const. Alex Berube. Mounties responded to the alarm and the first officer on scene saw a white Ford Explorer leaving after the man tried unsuccessfully to steal a safe.
Officers saw the vehicle driving north on Helmcken Road near Watkiss Way and attempted to stop it but the driver sped off. The driver, a white man about 30 years old, appeared to be alone in the vehicle.
West Shore RCMP contacted Saanich police for help locating the vehicle but it could not be found. Officers recovered the safe and Vancouver Island district forensic identification officers are working to find any fingerprints.
The thief then targeted a pharmacy and two dentists’ offices in Saanich and another pharmacy in Langford, with a goal of stealing prescription drugs.
At 5:15 a.m., someone broke into the Rexall Drug Store at 1600 McKenzie Ave. in Saanich. About 20 minutes later, another break-in was reported at a dentist’s office at 4442 West Saanich Rd.
At 11:44 a.m., the thief targeted another dentist’s office at 6105 Pat Bay Highway.
“It appears prescription medication was taken” in all three smash-and-grabs, said Saanich Staff Sgt. Steve Morgan. In all three cases, the burglars also smashed their way into the premises.
The white SUV was found abandoned later that day in Saanich. Even after the vehicle was seized, the thief struck again, this time stealing a safe from the Forbes Pharmacy located at 103-2349 Millstream Rd. in Langford at about 5:45 p.m.
“We believe that they are all related so we’re closely working with [Saanich police] to share the evidence that we have,” Berube said.
West Shore RCMP and Saanich police are trying to obtain video surveillance from all the properties to try to identify the thief.
Anyone with information should contact West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 or Saanich police at 250-475-4321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
