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Media Releases - January 2005

Delta Police are investigating a robbery of a taxi cab driver that occurred in the 11600 blk of 74th Avenue in North Delta on January 29, 2005 at 9:55 p.m.

Suspect described as: caucasian male 20-23 years, 5'10", medium build, clean-shaven, brushed back dark hair, wearing a black hoodie.

The suspect produced a knife and made a demand for the cab driver's money. The cab driver complied with the demand and was uninjured. The suspect then exited the vehicle and fled with a small amount of cash.

Police deployed a K9 unit but were unable to locate suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

Delta Police are investigating two robbery incidents involving a group of four Indo-Canadian male suspects who approach high school aged young people demanding their back packs and music equipment (MP3 player and Discmans).

The first of these two incidents occurred January 24th 2005 at 3:55 p.m., in which two teens were approached and were robbed of a back pack and discman after one of the four Indo Canadian suspects produced a crow bar, striking one of the victims causing minor injury to his arm. The second victim escaped injury. The back pack was recovered a short distance from where the incident occurred.

K-9 unit was deployed to the area but due to heavy pedestrian traffic was unable to track the suspects.

The Second incident occurred January 28 2005 at 2:25p.m.. This was an attempt robbery in which four Indo Canadian males approached a 16 yr old male demanding his backpack and MP3 player at knife point. All suspects fled, without the property, after a driver of a vehicle caught their eye and likely spooked them.

Police have only been able to obtain limited descriptions of some of the suspects as the victims are traumatized and it appears that two suspects directly engage the victim and two stands back.

Descriptions

1. Indo Canadian male 17-18 yrs. Dark hair with goatee wearing a grey hoody style shirt
2. 17-18 yrs dark hair possibly clean shaven wearing black t - shirts

While these incidents share similarities, it has not yet been determined if they are directly related. Police continue to investigate these incidents. School liaison officers are aware of these incidents and will be working both with the schools and investigators in an attempt to identify and arrests the suspects.

The public is reminded to call police should they see any suspicious activity.

On January 28 2005 at approximately 10:25 p.m., one youth in the company of three others carved “Nazi” type symbols as well as other negative racial slurs on the doors of a portable. When approached by the custodian all fled the area on foot. Police checked the area but were unable to locate the suspects.

Descriptions of only two of the suspects were provided:

1. 16 yr old while male 5’10, 170lbs brown short hair wearing a tan jacket with red sleeves
2. 16yr old while male round face shaved head

Incident details have been forwarded to the Ladner area School Liaison officer, however, police are in need of further information in order to proceed with this investigation.

Delta Police responded to an intruder alarm at Beach Grove Elementary and on arrival police determined that entry had been gained to the school. Another officer, while enroute to the school, observed two males running from the area and was able to stop them. Officers coordinated containment of the area in preparation for a k9 team to arrive. K9 unit was deployed and successfully tracked to the two 14 year Delta youths being detained by an officer a short distance from the school.

Property was recovered and both teens will be dealt with through an informal process under the provision of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Delta Police responded to a theft that had just occurred at the Kennedy Liquor Store. Staff observed male take a bottle of liquor and flee the store without offering payment. Security guard confronted the suspect in the parking lot where the suspect then threatened him with a knife. The security guard immediately backed away and suspect fled the area on foot. No injuries sustained by the security guard.

The suspect is still outstanding and is described as: East Indian male, 35-40yrs 5’9 140lbs with a goatee, short hair and wearing a black ball cap and a black leather jacket and dark pants.

This incident demonstrates that caution must be exercised when dealing with shoplifters as their behavior is unpredictable and potentially violent. Police investigation continues.

Police responded to a break and enter in progress at local business in Ladner at 0630 a.m. January 23 2005. Information received indicated suspect was observed in the store after gaining entry by smashing one of the windows.

K9 unit responded to the area and successfully tracked the suspect to where other police officers had stopped a subject matching the description provided a short distance from the scene.

As a result of further investigation the 20 year old Delta man was arrested and charges are pending for a variety of offences including, carrying a concealed weapon, break and enter and possession of a controlled substance.

Delta Police are investigating a robbery of a taxi cab driver that occurred in the 11500 blk of 75A Avenue in North Delta on January 16, 2005 at 0205 a.m.

Suspect described as, Caucasian male 20 years, clean shaven wearing a blue Addidas jacket, produced a knife and made a demand for the cab driver’s money. The driver complied with the demand and suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot with a small amount of cash in hand. The driver did sustain a minor cut to his hand. Police deployed a K9 unit but were unable to locate suspect.

Police suggest taxi drivers employ as many safety precautions as possible and if a similar situation presents itself remember, comply without resistance, your safety is more important.

Delta Police responded to three break and enters to businesses that had occurred over two days. Each occurred in the early morning hours of January 15th and 16th 2005 in the area between 80th Avenue – 86 Avenue on 120th Street 8600 blk of 120th (business corridor).

In two cases suspects had smashed the glass door and/ or window gaining entry to the premise and then stealing a variety of items including, food and a small amount of money.

In the third incident which occurred in the early hours of January 16 2005 in the 8000 blk of 120th Street, suspects gained entry to a medical office and stole computer equipment.

Business owners and staff are reminded to report any suspicious persons or activity in and around their businesses to police. Police continue to investigate and will be increasing patrols to area.

Delta Police responded to a report of a break and enter to a second floor apartment unit in the 11800 blk of 80th Avenue on January 15, 2005 at 0950a.m.

Sometime through the night hours, while occupants were a sleep, unknown suspect(s) gained entry to the apartment unit through an unlocked patio door and stole wallets and computer equipment.

Police remind residents to lock windows and doors to safe guard against this type of crime.

Given the current cold weather we are experiencing in the Lower Mainland Police remind the motoring public not to leave vehicles insecure and unattended especially while the engine is running. Doing this makes your car ripe for the taking.

Did you know? It is actually an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act to leave your vehicle insecure (regardless if the engine is running or not)

"A driver must not permit a motor vehicle to stand unattended or parked unless the driver has (a) locked it or made it secure in a manner that prevents it unauthorized use"

Don't increase your chances of having your vehicle stolen! Play it safe, keep your car secure and use an anti theft device.

Delta Police responded to a report of a house fire in the early morning house on January 12 2005 in the 11000 block of 92A Avenue in North Delta.

Police had investigators on the scene to determine the cause of fire. Preliminary findings indicate that the fire was started at the rear of the residence. There was exterior Christmas lights plugged in and on which is believed to have overloaded the circuit causing an electrical fire.

There is extensive damage to the residence in the kitchen area, a portion of the roof, and smoke and water damage. Fortunately all four occupants escaped without injury, however the total damage is approximately $80,000-$100,000.

Police responded to a report of a robbery that just occurred at the Envision Credit Union. The suspect entered the bank and made a demand for money. Although no weapon was produced there was an indication that the suspect may have been armed. No one sustained injury and suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

Upon arrival police did deploy a K9 unit. An area search was conducted but was met with negative results.

Suspect description: Caucasian male in his 20’s, 6 ft, 180-190 lbs, clean cut beard. Wearing a tan suede ball cap red and white winter jacket sunglasses black gloves, black pants with snaps.

Police continue to investigate this incident.

Police responded to a break and enter to an apartment in the 1600 blk of 56 Street in the early hours of January 01 2005. A female was awakened to find a male in her room. He was scared off when she screamed. There was no theft or signs of forced.

As a result of further investigation the suspect a 59 year old male from South Delta was identified and subsequently arrested. Charges are pending.

Police remind the public of the home security service available at the South Delta Community Police stations located in Ladner and Tsawwassen. Volunteers are specifically trained and available to conduct these Security visits. Please call the Tsawwassen CoPs office at 948 0199 or Ladner CoPs office at 940 4411 to make an appointment for a volunteer to attend your home to carry out a home security check.