FORT ST. JOHN -- The Fort St John RCMP received a report of shoplifting from a business in the area of 96 Street and 93 Avenue on January 27th.
When they arrived on scene, they say a man who was previously suspected of shoplifting in the same store, had already left.
However Mounties say they were able to identify the suspect, but didn’t say how.
Five days later, police obtained and executed multiple search warrants on the suspect’s residence.
Police say a large amount of suspected stolen goods were located and seized.
Officers processed the almost 650 seized items with an estimated value of over $225,000.
The Fort St John RCMP are still conducting the full investigation and charges have not yet been forwarded in this matter.
Then on February 4,th Fort St John RCMP received another report of the male suspect shoplifting at the same store.
Officer located the suspect outside the store with items believed to be stolen. After a brief foot chase, the suspect, Clifford Poole, was arrested for theft and obstruction and held for court.
Poole was remanded into custody until February 8. An additional charge of Theft under $5000 was approved.
“This appears to be a fairly elaborate fencing operation,” said Staff Sergeant Scott Watson, Acting Officer in Charge of the Fort St John RCMP detachment.
“The results of this investigation will have a significant impact on the local property crime trade in Fort St John and surrounding area,” added Watson
The Fort St John RCMP continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information related to this matter to contact the Fort St John RCMP at 250-787-8100.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca.
