Coquitlam Mounties have taken lead on an investigation that saw several pieces of construction machinery stolen across Metro Vancouver.
RCMP say a single suspect is believed to have taken a series of skid-steers, bulldozers and trailers from five different Home Depot locations over the last two months.
Totalling more than $150,000 in property theft, this included thefts in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam, as well as Vancouver, Burnaby and Langley.
The public's help is also needed as police look to identify the man involved, whom spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins said used a false name to rent the equipment.
"Our investigators believe that the suspect has been committing similar thefts throughout the Lower Mainland and selling the items on third-party websites for below-market value," she said in a news release today (June 30).
The thefts took place in May and June. After giving a fake name at all five businesses, Hodgins said the suspect removed the GPS trackers from the Bobcat510 wheeled skid-steers and trailers, and never returned them.
It's believed that the machinery may have been re-sold.
Coquitlam RCMP's property crime team is leading the investigation.
The man in question is described as:
- 30 to 40 years old
- Between 5'7" and 5'10"
- Medium build
- Last seen wearing....
- Black baseball hat
- Dark sunglasses
- Blue shorts
- Grey long-sleeve zip-up hooded jacket with white writing on the left chest
Anyone with more information about the suspect or the thefts is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2023-15469.
Buying from someone online?
Mounties are also using this case as a reminder for local residents to be diligent when purchasing expensive items, especially through third-party websites.
Tips include:
- Query the VINs to ensure they aren’t stolen prior to purchase
- Ask the seller if you can take the machinery/vehicle to a reputable mechanic for inspection prior to purchase
- Ensure both the VINs on the machine/vehicle match
