A man in British Columbia has been charged with mischief after allegedly causing damage to multiple businesses by gluing their locks shut.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the suspect, who has been dubbed the “glue bandit”, targeted several businesses in the city of Surrey. The incidents occurred over the course of several weeks, with the most recent one taking place on January 12.
The RCMP launched an investigation after receiving multiple reports of businesses being unable to open their doors due to glue being poured into their locks. The damage caused by the glue resulted in significant financial losses for the affected businesses.
After gathering evidence and conducting interviews, the RCMP identified and arrested a suspect on January 14. The 35-year-old man has been charged with multiple counts of mischief and is scheduled to appear in court on February 11.
The RCMP is reminding business owners to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. They also urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward and contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
This is not the first time that the “glue bandit” has struck in the area. In 2019, a similar series of incidents occurred in the city of Langley, where several businesses also reported their locks being glued shut. It is unclear at this time if the same suspect is responsible for both sets of incidents.
The RCMP is continuing to investigate and is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying any other potential victims or witnesses. They are also reminding the public that vandalism and property damage are serious offenses that can result in criminal charges.
As the case progresses, the RCMP will provide updates and ensure that justice is served for the affected businesses. In the meantime, they are urging everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
