VPD arrests alleged thieves after windows smashed at west-side retailer

Vancouver Police arrested two men who allegedly stole more than $16,000 in merchandise after breaking into a Kitsilano clothing store early Wednesday morning.

A 35-year-old woman, who lives near the store, called 9-1-1 around 4:20 a.m. yesterday after she was woken up by the sounds of glass smashing and a security alarm going off near Arbutus Street and West 4th Avenue.

The suspects fled quickly and were gone when police arrived at the crime scene, but an alert VPD officer acting on a hunch tracked them down after spotting a taxi leaving the area with no lights on.

Officers stopped the taxi to investigate and discovered the two suspects inside, along with more than $16,000 in stolen goods.

John Erickson, 57, and Scott Robinson, 40, have now been charged with break and enter and theft over $5,000. Robinson was also arrested for outstanding BC-wide warrants.