Police recover stolen goods after arresting alleged thief
Police have recovered more than a hundred pieces of stolen jewelry and half a dozen laptop computers after arresting a man they are calling “one of Burnaby’s most prolific break and enter suspects.”
Michael Jonathan Mickelson, 38, has been charged with break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence, possession of break and enter instruments, assault of a police officer and flight from police. The Surrey man was arrested on Feb. 15.
On Friday, Burnaby RCMP officers displayed the stolen items — which included laptop computers and dozens of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and cufflinks — hoping to reunite them with their rightful owners.
Police are encouraging people to claim their property. They say more charges could be laid against Mickelson.
“Anybody that calls us and indicates that the property belongs to them, that will be investigated. So if anyone lies about it they'll be obstructing a police investigation and that's a criminal offence,” said RCMP Staff sergeant Andy Leclair.
The number of break-ins at both commercial properties and homes in Burnaby spiked in December and January. Police say those numbers went down in February but are warning the public to remain vigilant.
Burnaby RCMP also released a video on Friday showing how one thief waited by the door of an apartment building to try and sneak inside with a resident. When he grew impatient, he took out a small crowbar and forced the door open. Police say the man gained access to the building’s laundry room where he allegedly stole from the machines.
If you can identify any of the items shown in our photo gallery, please contact the Burnaby RCMP Break and Enter Task Force at 604-294-7922.
