Date: December 17, 2021
File: 21-27950
One person has been arrested after a woman was robbed of her purse yesterday afternoon.
On December 16, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. a woman was loading items into her vehicle near Cedar Hill Cross Road and Ophir Street when a man approached her from behind, grabbed her, grabbed her purse and then ran off. She chased after the suspect but lost sight of him as he turned down a nearby street.
Officers attended the area and with the help of the public were able to locate the suspect nearby. He was arrested without incident and later identified to be the same person responsible for the two business break and enters earlier this week on Shelbourne Street.
A brazen daytime robbery like this in Saanich is very uncommon. Members of the public played a pivotal role in providing timely information to E-Comm 9-1-1 and to our officers on the call which ultimately led to the quick apprehension of the offender.
The man, 18, was held in custody and will be before the courts today. Police are recommending a charge of Robbery.
Fortunately, the woman did not receive any serious injuries and her purse was recovered and returned to her by officers.
Cst. Markus Anastasiades
Public Information and Communications Officer