Two suspects responsible for "multiple commercial break-ins" arrested: VPD

Police have arrested a pair of chronic offenders that are believed to be responsible for multiple commercial break-ins across Vancouver.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD)’s Property Crime Unit began investigating a “rise in commercial break-and-enters.”

Empty businesses throughout Vancouver, which have been closed for weeks due to physical distancing rules, have been the target of break-ins.

• See also: 
  • VPD arrests 40 suspects linked to commercial break-and-enters
  • Vancouver police urge businesses to take proactive measures to deter theft (PHOTOS)
  • VPD warn of rise in commercial theft due to coronavirus closures

Now, VPD says that they’re recommending 70 separate charges against two suspects, 44-year-old Shane Duhamel and 33-year-old Jesse Palanio. While police will continue to target property crime, it’s believed that this arrest will play a large role in reducing theft.

“We believe that the arrest of these two suspects and the subsequent charge approval will have a major impact on commercial break-ins around the city,” said Sergeant Aaron Roed of the VPD.

Palanio, who was arrested on March 29, has been charged with the following:

• Seven counts of break-and-enter
• 13 counts of failure to comply with release order
• One count of possession of a prohibited weapon
• Two counts of possession of credit card data
• Two counts possession of ID documents
• Three counts of possession of stolen property
• Two counts of theft under $5,000

Duhamel, who was arrested on April 3, has also received the following charges:

• 14 counts of break-and-enter
• 21 counts of failure to comply with probation order
• Two counts of breach of release order
• Two counts of possession of break-in instruments
• One count of disguise with intent

Police say that the two Burnaby residents remain in custody. And although the two prolific offenders have been arrested, business owners are still reminded to take the necessary precautions against robbery and theft.

“We are still asking businesses to move property out of view of criminals, use shutters to reduce visibility, upgrade locks, and increase lighting levels to ensure the business is well lit,” added Sergeant Aaron Roed.  “Together we can stop businesses from being targeted.”