Saanich police are concerned that guns stolen during a recent string of break-ins in the Shelbourne area have not been recovered.
“Our focus right now is to locate the outstanding firearms,” said Saanich Police Const. Markus Anastasiades. “They include a shotgun, a rifle and a handgun.”
Five residential units on Shelbourne Street, Richmond Road, Cedar Hill Cross Road and Church Avenue were broken into between July 9 and Aug. 21.
Police said the suspects targeted secure areas of the residential buildings and stole items such as high-end bicycles, tools, electronics, delivered parcels and firearms.
Detectives believed all of the incidents were connected and identified two suspects.
One of the suspects was arrested Aug. 27 in the 3600 block of Richmond Road.
The suspect was in possession of several items linked to the break-ins. A search of his residence resulted in the discovery of several more stolen items.
The owners of many of the recovered items have been notified and efforts are underway to return their property to them, police said.
A 36-year-old man is in custody and faces three counts of break and enter.
The other suspect, a 37-year-old man, was arrested Aug. 20 and police are recommending one count of break and enter.
The investigation is ongoing.
Police ask anyone with information on the missing firearms to call them 250-475-4321 or Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
