Over $225,000 of stolen property recovered by Fort St John RCMP

Fort St John

2024-02-09 11:42 PST

File # 2024-800/961/1074

On January 27, 2024 the Fort St John RCMP received a report of shoplifting from a business in the area of 96 Street/ 93 Avenue in Fort St John.

The initial theft had occurred on January 6 but the male suspect was once again in the store and believed to actively be shoplifting. Police attended but the suspect was gone upon arrival. Through investigation the Fort St John RCMP were able to identify the suspect.

On February 1, Fort St John RCMP frontline police officers obtained and executed multiple search warrants on the suspects residence. A large amount of suspected stolen goods were located and seized. Over a few days time, frontline police officers processed the almost 650 seized items from the executed search warrants with an estimated value of over $225,000. The Fort St John RCMP are still conducting the full investigation and charges have not yet been forwarded in this matter.

On February 4, Fort St John RCMP received another report of the male suspect shoplifting at the same store. Frontline police officers attended and located the suspect outside the store with items believed to be stolen. After a brief foot chase, the suspect, Clifford Poole, was arrested for theft and obstruction and held for court.

Clifford Poole was remanded into custody until February 6 when he was once again remanded until February 8. While in police custody, an additional charge of Theft under $5000 was approved.

This appears to be a fairly elaborate fencing operation, said Staff Sergeant Scott Watson, Acting Officer In Charge of the Fort St John RCMP detachment. The results of this investigation will have a significant impact on the local property crime trade in Fort St John and surrounding area.

The Fort St John RCMP continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information related to this matter to contact the Fort St John RCMP at 250-787-8100. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca.

Released by

Cst. Chad Neustaeter

Email: chad.neustaeter@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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