Vancouver Police officers thwarted a break-in at a downtown sporting goods store Sunday morning and arrested the would-be thief as he allegedly tried to make off with more than $20,000 in merchandise.

"Downtown retailers have already endured so much during the pandemic, with many struggling to stay afloat and others having to reduce staff to make ends meet," says Sergeant Steve Addison, VPD. "This stolen property was likely headed for sale on the black market. Fortunately, our officers responded quickly and acted decisively to catch this thief in the act and return the stolen goods to the store."

Two VPD constables were patrolling near Robson and Howe streets just before 8 a.m. Sunday when the alleged thief broke in to the store and set off an alarm. When the officers arrived to investigate, they allegedly saw a man inside the store filling bags full of property. The suspect saw the officers and tried to run, but he was arrested nearby when other VPD officers intervened.

The suspect, a 37-year-old Vancouver man with no fixed address, was already wanted BC-wide for two previous break and enters. He was taken to jail and now faces multiple new charges.