'Using the cover of darkness': Police patrolling Cadboro Bay after increase in crime
Two local police departments and the RCMP are working together to address a surge in marine-related crimes around the Cadboro Bay area.
On Friday, Saanich police said they were working with the Oak Bay Police Department, the BC RCMP West Coast Marine Services and the BC RCMP Federal Shiprider Program to investigate increasing reports of crime in the area.
Residents of the Cadboro Bay area told police that they've seen an increase in crime over the past few months, and that they believe a small group of people living on boats are responsible.
Recent reported crimes include thefts, mischief, noise complaints and other "unlawful activity," according to Saanich police.
"For example, one person reported that while asleep on their boat, they were woken by someone attempting to steal various items outside," said the Saanich Police Department in a statement.
"Police believe the thieves are using the cover of darkness to carry out many of these criminal activities."
In response to the increase in crime reports, the four police organizations began nighttime patrols on the waters of Cadboro Bay at the beginning of June.
The patrols required coordination from the two local police departments and the two RCMP units since Cadboro Bay borders both Saanich and Oak Bay, while the waters themselves are considered RCMP jurisdiction.
While out on one of these patrols, police say they saw two men breaching their court-ordered conditions last week.
Warrants have now been issued for Thomas Cudworth, 33, and Jack Chisholm, 23, who live on a vessel in Cadboro Bay.
Police are still searching for the pair as of Friday.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call Saanich police at 250-475-4321, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity in the Cadboro Bay area is encouraged to contact police.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.