Over the past several months the Saanich Police Department has been hearing from the residents of Cadboro Bay and the marine community of concerns about criminal activities being carried out in the bay by a suspected small group of persons living on boats in the area.
The community has reported to police an increase in thefts, mischiefs, unlawful activity, and noise complaints contrary to local bylaws. Police have been monitoring these activities, as these incidents are taking place throughout the coastal areas of Vancouver Island.
For example, one person reported that while asleep on their boat, they were woken by someone attempting to steal various items outside. Police believe the thieves are using the cover of darkness to carry out many of these criminal activities.
The area of Cadboro Bay creates a unique situation as it shares a border with Saanich, Oak Bay, with the waters of the bay itself falling into the jurisdiction of the RCMP.
Saanich Police have begun a collaborative approach with the Oak Bay Police Department, BC RCMP West Coast Marine Services and the BC RCMP Federal Shiprider Program to target the people suspected of these unlawful activities.
Since the beginning of June, police have been conducting nighttime deployments to monitor the activities in the waters of Cadboro Bay to both prevent crime from taking place and to identify the persons responsible for many of these incidents reported to the police.
Last week, Thomas Cudworth, 33, and Jack Chisholm, 23, who live on their vessels in Cadboro Bay, were observed by police for failing to abide by court-imposed conditions. As a result, warrants have been issued for their arrests and officers are currently seeking their whereabouts.
Residents in the area are asked to report all suspicious activities they observe to the police.
Anyone with information can contact the Saanich Police Department at 250-475-4321, or report what they know anonymously through the Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
File 22-10442
Cst. Markus Anastasiades
Public Information & Communications Officer
[email protected]
