Nanaimo - Police Nab Fraud Artists

Two Men Arrested

A theft of wallet from a parked vehicle lead investigators yesterday to arresting two males for running up several thousand dollars in fraudulent purchases at various Nanaimo businesses over the past four days.

The incident began when a resident went to his vehicle in the morning and reported to police his wallet had been stolen from his vehicle, parked in his driveway on Vaquero Place. He correctly called and cancelled his credit cards.

Due however to the time delay in realizing a theft had taken place, the victims credit card company informed him of several suspicious purchases that had already taken place at some gas stations and at Kal Tire on Norwell Drive for high end rims and tires. Some items were also purchased from from Home Depot .

Investigators contacted these stores and fortunately were able to obtain an Alberta license plate that the suspect males were seen driving . Officers quickly responded and were able to locate the vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 19 in Lantzville.
Two males were arrested in the vehicle and both matched the description of those involved in the fraudulent purchases. The two, ages 31 and 43, from Parksville and Alberta respectively ,were arrested for multiple theft and fraud charges and taken into custody.

“This case came together as the result of excellent team work and co-ordination by our general duty members. The citizens of Nanaimo should be proud of the effort put forth in resolving this file so quickly” said Constable Gary O’Brien Media spokesperson for the Nanaimo RCMP.

Officers after searching the vehicle found other items believed to be stolen including other credit cards belonging to a individual from Saanich ,some antiques, tools and most notably a ceremonial Wilkinson sword, believed to have been issued to an officer in the military.The sword was engraved with the number 84151. RCMP believe the two males may also have been involved in other thefts on Vancouver Island and will be following up with other Island Detachments for similar thefts and frauds.

The two were held in custody and are expected to make an appearance in Nanaimo Provincial court today.