Mounties in Oceanside used good quality video surveillance footage, in addition to a knowledge of those in the area, to make a quick arrest following a mid-September break into a Qualicum Beach business. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

multiple charges

Quality surveillance video leads to quick arrest of Qualicum store theft suspect

Oct 1, 2025 | 4:21 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — Mounties in Oceanside have been able to make a quick arrest of a man they believe to be responsible for a retail store theft, while also confiscating several weapons.

Mark Trinity Calliou, 50, remains in custody awaiting a court appearance next week in related to theft and other charges from a Sept. 18 incident at a north Qualicum Beach business, where it’s alleged Calliou broke in with his face covered and stole several items.

Sgt. Shane Worth told NanaimoNewsNOW responding officers were able to get a quick lead on a suspect.

“Investigators were able to view the video and quickly identified a suspect who they believed was living in a makeshift camp in the area. Some investigation during the week confirmed the location of this camp.”

Calliou was arrested on Friday, Sept. 26 at the camp off the Lockwood Forest Service Rd., in Whiskey Creek.

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He was then charged with theft and disguising face with intent to commit an offence, as well as a single count of wilfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

“A search of the camp located a loaded firearm, various pieces of ammunition, magazines, bows and body armour,” Worth added. “The warrants where he was wanted from out of British Columbia and Alberta were for various drug, weapons, driving, property and failing to comply offences.”

He appeared in court the day he was arrested and is next scheduled to appear on Oct. 6.

Worth credited both the business and responding officers for a quick resolution to this situation, particularly the quality video system at the business.

“We had a vehicle description and a physical description, unfortunately, we weren’t able at the time to have a great picture of the suspect’s face. However, because the officers were aware of the people in the area and had some interactions with the similarly described person and their vehicle, we were able to make a positive identification and arrest the suspect.”

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