Monday, April 29, 2013

Crime News

Demolition Man

Mounties arrest metal thief targeting derelict building

Staff/Voice photos

A suspect sits under arrest in the back of a police cruiser early Monday.

Just after 5 a.m. Monday, a security guard on patrol downtown spotted someone with a flashlight inside the abandoned Safeway building on Main Street. The guard reported that banging could also be heard.

Mounties were called, and a perimeter was set up around the outside of the building.

Eventually, a suspect surrendered and was taken into custody.

RCMP confirmed that the suspect was involved in stealing wire and was arrested. Police brought in the K9 unit and a search for more people inside was done. City of Chilliwack firefighters were called in to supply a ladder so the rooftop could also be checked.

The derelict building has been increasingly targeted by metal thieves and squatters.

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