Oceanside RCMP have a 24-year-old man in custody after numerous petty crimes wreaked havoc on the Parksville region. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
RE-OFFENDER

Oceanside RCMP nab nuisance offender hours after being released from custody

Dec 16, 2020 | 12:45 PM

PARKSVILLE — A man well known to police following a string of nuisance crimes is back in police custody.

Silas Jacob Janzen, 24, is believed to be responsible for numerous petty crimes including dine and dashes, property destruction and thefts in the Parksville area.

Cpl. Jesse Foreman said Janzen moved to the Parksvile area in the summer, around the same time reports of these crimes began filtering to the detachment.

“We started digging back to get surveillance footage, people’s accounts through statements so we could piece it all together and get some charges against this individual.”

Officers caught up with Janzen on Dec. 10 but was later released after a bail hearing on multiple charges. However within hours of being released, Janzen allegedly re-offended in three separate incidents.

Foreman told NanaimoNewsNOW investigators believe Janzen is involved in 21 separate files at the detachment, with officers able to forward charges on 11.

Charges include theft under $5000, breach of probation order, mischief and fraudulently obtaining food, beverages or accommodations.

“Some of the crime was random and strange in nature, like going into a restaurant and somewhat destroying the bathroom…having a bit of disregard for everyone’s property,” Foreman said.

He remains in custody ahead of a court date on Dec. 18.

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