White Rock RCMP are crying fowl – and appealing to the public for help – following a series of overnight break-ins to a Marine Drive restaurant.
Poultry in Motion, at 15491 Marine Dr., was targeted three times in one week this month, with those responsible striking each time between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Const. Janelle Shoihet said police were notified of the crimes each morning they were discovered: Dec. 16, 17 and 20.
In two of the incidents, the culprit or culprits gained access to the restaurant through the front door. The second time, they entered through a window.
“The window, looks like they just popped it enough to get in,” Shoihet said Wednesday (Dec. 21). “The front door… I was able to see the tool marks.”
Shoihet said cash was the motivator, and believes the thief or thieves honed in on the restaurant because of ongoing renovations that left it unattended overnight. Other area businesses have not reported being targeted, she said.
Shoihet and owner Holly Valentine are hopeful someone saw something that will help identify and locate the perpetrator.
Shoihet hopes word of the break-ins will encourage area residents and other merchants to keep a closer eye on their neighbours.
Anyone who noticed suspicious individuals or vehicles in the area is asked to contact police at 778-593-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Shoihet encouraged business owners interested in learning more about how to prevent similar incidents and other crimes to their business to contact the detachment’s community policing office at 778-593-3611.