Two Port Coquitlam teenagers have been arrested in connection with a series of fires to community book exchanges known as Little Free Libraries.
Mounties said tips from the public were instrumental in identifying a 19-year-old and 17-year-old suspect, who have been released on a promise to appear in court in October. Both are facing one count of arson causing property damage.
"We've used a lot of resources, including surveillance, search warrants, production orders and cooperation from our city partners at both Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam," said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. "A tip from the public put us over the top and directly led to these charges."
A total of 11 fires were started between March 20 and May 18 of this year. In April, police said they were looking for suspects and asked any witnesses to call police.
While the two teenagers have been arrested, McLaughlin said the investigation is ongoing and more charges could be on the way. He encouraged anyone with information to contact the Coquitlam RCMP's non-emergency line at 604-945-1550 and ask for the arson unit. The file number is 2019-9080.
"Good cooperation from the Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam fire departments helped ensure these fires didn’t spread and also helped our investigators collate evidence," says Corporal McLaughlin. "Many of these book exchanges were located near homes and green spaces and the damage could have been worse."
His family rounded up some books from their collection before his mom posted to the Burke Mountain community Facebook page looking for contributions.
The donations helped Dempsey restock the give-and-take boxes.
The Little Free Library movement is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year. First dreamed up by Todd H. Bol as a tribute to his teacher mother in Hudson, Wisconsin, the global non-profit now boasts over 80,000 Little Free Libraries in over 90 countries around the world, according to the organization’s website.
