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Two Qualicum Beach women charged in local break-in

Jan 28, 2017 | 6:42 AM

PARKSVILLE — A pair of women well known to Oceanside RCMP have been charged after a Qualicum Beach building was broken into and nearly $5,000 worth of property stolen, according to police.

Cpl. Don Helgeson said charged with break and enter, possession of stolen property and breach of probation are Kim Bain, 56, and Trina Bell, 51, both of Qualicum Beach.

He said the pair are accused of breaking into a vacant building in the 3200 block of Island Hwy West.

Helgeson said video surveillance was the key to unlocking the heist, which had taken place over the last several days.

“The owner of the property had excellent surveillance equipment within his building and was able to produce a copy of that video surveillance to us,” said Helgeson.

He notes computers and restaurant equipment were taken in the break-in, adding that the accused are well known to local police.

Helgeson points out that video surveillance systems are becoming more widely used by business and home owners, noting the quality of these systems is continually improving. He said that has been a big help to their members.

“Most of us here are very well aware of who our priority offenders are and when that video comes forward and we can take a look at it and see the quality of the images…it’s leaps and bounds ahead of where we were in the past.”

 

iholmes@islandradio.bc.ca

@reporterholmes