New Westminster break-and-enter suspect linked to multiple offences, police say

A photo shows the back of a New Westminster police officer's jacket. (Twitter, New Westminster Police Department)

A suspect arrested after a break-and-enter in an apartment building in New Westminster, B.C., has since been linked to almost 20 similar offences.

Police were alerted by a resident to someone breaking into their condominium’s mail room on Jan. 19, New Westminster Police Department said in a release Thursday.

According to police, the suspect has been charged with 17 offences, including possession of stolen property and car theft.

Mark Forrest, a 39-year-old from Surrey, has been charged with twelve counts of break-and-enter, one count of mail theft, two counts of possession of a break-and-enter instrument, and one count of possession of identity documents.

Sgt. Andrew Leaver said the arrest sends a clear message that “crime doesn’t pay” in New Westminster.

“The Street Crime Unit’s dedication and investigative work ensures that criminals will be identified and arrested. It’s only a matter of time,” he said.

In the statement, the NWPD said the incident should serve as a reminder about the importance of calling 911 when residents witness what they believe to be a break-and-enter in progress.