According to a recent press release by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), a suspect who might be responsible for the series of window-breaking incidents in the West End area has already been arrested. The said incidents of vandalism mainly targeted downtown business establishments.
The VPD disclosed that the arrest was made shortly after a concerned citizen called 911 on Wednesday afternoon to report a man throwing a rock and smashing a storefront window on Davie Street.
When officers arrived at the scene, they arrested a 50-year old man who is believed to be responsible for many incidents involving window-breaking and other acts of vandalism in the area. The VPD press release pointed out that the “officers were familiar with the man because he’s a suspect in dozens of other mischiefs in the downtown core.”
“In fact, he was arrested earlier that same day after allegedly breaking a window at a business near Robson and Bute Street,” the VPD press release emphasized. The suspect has since been taken to jail and is under investigation for his possible connection to several unsolved incidents of vandalism in the downtown Vancouver vicinity.
Downtown Vancouver business owners immediately aired their sentiments on the matter after the suspect was arrested.
Kinara Indian Cuisine on Davie Street’s proprietor, Bharat Sharma, shared that the windows of his establishment have been smashed three times in a row. The first incident took place in September, and while an arrest was made, he heard that the suspect was quickly released. Bharat added he did not bother reporting the other two incidents to the authorities.
Nikki and Deanna, owners of West End’s Garden Health Vitamins, related a similar story. “This is not the first time we have been vandalized,” they stressed. “Our window has been scratched up. Our garbage bins get taken all time, we have had a drink thrown at our window, permanent marker on our walls outside.” They also said that they were also victims of several incidents of theft.
Related incidents have also been experienced by the Cardero Cafe, Mac’s, and Home Hardware.
The VPD disclosed that the incidents of window-breaking began in August, and an average of 11 reports was logged each week from business owners reporting damage to their property. Notably, the department still did not provide any updates on how they would address the situation.
