Surrey RCMP have arrested and charged two suspects after they allegedly committed dozens of residential break and enters this past month with a very specific modus operandi.
In the month of June, there were 54 break and enters to Surrey homes where the resident’s garage door opener was used as the primary method to gain entry.
During the third week of June alone, there were 21 incidents reported to police, the majority occurring in the Guildford and Newton areas. Once inside the homes, the suspects would steal various items including vehicle keys. They would then use the stolen vehicles to commit additional thefts, frauds, and other property crimes across the city.
Surrey RCMP’s Property Crime and Auto Crime Target Teams, with the assistance of crime analysts and forensic services, quickly became engaged and identified a number of potential suspects.
After a number of strategic investigative steps were conducted, on July 5th officers arrested two individuals for allegedly committing a number of the recent break and enters.
The following individuals are facing a multitude of charges:
Sean Robert GULLICK (23 years old, from Surrey): Break and enter (x2), Possession of stolen property under $5,000 (x3), Possession of stolen identity document (x2), Possess stolen credit card, Fraud under $5,000, Possess break-in instrument, Theft under $5,000, Breach of recognizance (x2), Breach of probation (14 charges in total).
Anthony Peter KALT (18 years old, No Fixed Addres): Break and enter (x2), Theft of motor vehicle, Possession of stolen property over $5,000, Possession of stolen property under $5,000, Possession of stolen identity document (x3), Possess stolen credit card, Fraud under $5,000, Possessing weapon for dangerous purpose, Breach of recognizance (12 charges in total).
These arrests are the result of solid teamwork that involved everyone from crime analysts who examined the data, forensic services who collected the physical evidence, uniform officers and dispatchers who helped locate the suspects, and plainclothes officers who ultimately made the arrests, says Surrey RCMP Inspector Shawna Baher, Proactive Enforcement Officer.
The spike in this particular crime type and subsequent arrests also serves as a reminder that thieves are always looking for opportunities to exploit our inattentiveness to protecting our personal property, says Insp. Baher. It is up to all of us to be vigilant. Don’t leave personal items in plain sight in your vehicle, especially items that can be used to further victimize you and your family.
For more information on how to protect your home, property and vehicle, please visit our website.
