Updated 2015-12-03
Please be advised that Zoe Jacqueline THOMPSON was located and arrested in the late evening hours of December 2 in the Lower Mainland. Thanks to all for your assistance!
Posted 2015-12-01
The Saanich Police Department has made a significant recovery of suspected stolen property from a residence in the 5800 block of the Pat Bay Highway.
The recovery of the property, and subsequent follow up investigation, has led to the identification of stolen property that had previously been reported to police. The property has been linked to incidents in the Greater Victoria area, Vancouver Island, as well as incidents in the Lower Mainland.
“The success of this file can be directly attributed to information from our Crime Analyst” Sgt. Steve Eassie said. “Our Analyst was successful in linking similarities in crimes in our area to crimes that had occurred in other areas”.
In early October, the Oceanside RCMP arrested two males who were alleged to be in the commission of a break and enter in the Qualicum Beach area. Information from this investigation was reviewed and there was information that appeared to possibly link the suspects to an address in Saanich.
The Saanich Police Street Crime Unit, with the assistance from the Crime Analyst, identified a female of interest that appeared to be in a relationship with one of the suspects arrested in Oceanside. A possible link to an ATM Theft file that had taken place in late July in the Saanich area was established, based on information as well as surveillance footage photographs.
On October 7, 2015, Oceanside RCMP assisted Saanich Police by arresting the female after she had attended to the RCMP Detachment to recover some of her personal property that had been seized earlier that week. Saanich Police investigators attended to Oceanside and interviewed the female accused prior to releasing her on a Promise to Appear to attend court at a later date.
A warrant to search a residence in the 5800 block of the pat Bay Highway was obtained and a search of the property found over $100,000 in suspected stolen property.
Items seized from the property included generators, tools, jewellery, personal identification, and firearms.
As a result of the ongoing investigation there have been numerous property owners that have been identified and contacted.
However, a large amount of personal property has yet to be identified or claimed. Investigators are looking to identify the property owners to return the property, as well as to recommend further charges against the two accused if warranted.
Charges against the two accused have been recommended and approved by Crown counsel. A total of 45 charges for each of the accused have been approved.
Charged are Darren George CHERNOFF, 45 years old, who is currently awaiting a further court appearance in early December and has been remanded in custody. Zoe Jacqueline THOMPSON, 26 years old, was originally released from custody and was to appear in court on November 17, 2015. A warrant of arrest for THOMPSON has been issued. Both were residents of Saanich at the time of their arrests.
Darren George CHERNOFF: charges approved
- 17 counts of Possession of Stolen Property Under $5000
- 2 counts of Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000
- 19 counts of Dealing With an Identity Document Without Excuse
- 5 counts of Possession of a Weapon Obtained Through An Offence
- 1 count of Unsafe Storage of a Firearm
- 1 count of Possession of a Firearm Contrary to an Order
Zoe Jacqueline THOMPSON: charges approved
- 17 counts of Possession of Stolen Property Under $5000
- 2 counts of Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000
- 19 counts of Dealing With an Identity Document Without Excuse
- 5 counts of Possession of a Weapon Obtained Through An Offence
- 1 count of Unsafe Storage of a Firearm
- 1 count Break and Enter and Commit Theft
A previous outstanding warrant for Zoe THOMPSON has been removed as she was located on December 2, 2015, in the Lower Mainland.
If you have been a victim of a crime and observe your property, please contact the Saanich Police non-emergency line at 250-475-4321.
Anyone that may have information about the location of Zoe THOMPSON, or anyone that may have information relating to this investigation, are asked to contact Saanich Police at 250-475-4321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
File 2015-15816
Anyone that may wish to view the property that has yet to be identified to an owner is welcome to do so at the following link:
https://saanichpolice.ca/index.php/property-control/34-site/content/264-found-property
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158