Date: February 11, 2021
File: 21-3164
One person has been charged after being caught breaking into an occupied home in Saanich during broad daylight yesterday.
On February 10, 2021, just after 9:00 a.m., a homeowner called to report that someone had just broken into their home through a basement door in the 1000 block of Burnside Road West, and they could hear the suspect rummaging around inside. The homeowner was able to flee their residence to a safe location, while also describing the suspect to emergency call-takers.
A neighbour had then seen the suspect running from the property and also called police, providing key information, including a description of the suspect, clothing and the direction of travel. Officers attended the area and located the suspect not far from the residence. He was taken into custody without incident and was also found to be in possession of a bicycle that was later confirmed had been stolen from the home.
“This was surely a frightening incident for this homeowner and neighbours in the area. That being said, they were all able to remain calm, called police and provide pertinent information that ultimately led to the suspect’s arrest. This is another example of how neighbours in Saanich look out for one another and how the community and police work together.”
The suspect, 41-year-old Leslie Brownjohn, has a lengthy criminal history, remains in custody and is facing criminal charges for break and enter and theft under $5,000.
Cst. Markus Anastasiades
Public Information and Communications Officer