Saanich police arrested a 36 -year-old man with a long history of petty crimes for stealing a gift basket donated for charity.
Changing Times Hair Salon in Tillicum Centre donated a gift basket, worth about $180, for a Cops For Cancer - Tour de Rock fundraiser at Pearkes arena on Friday.
During the noon hour setup for the barbecue fundraising event, somebody entered the backdoor of Pearks arena and made off with the basket. The door backed onto the wooded area behind the building.
The basket would have been sold in a silent auction with the money going towards the fundraising efforts of Saanich police Const. Kiki Hodgkinson and honorary rider Matt Webb, a childhood cancer survivor.
Police picked up the suspect on Saturday at Hampton Park on an unrelated matter, and an officer recognized the man from video surveillance at Pearkes.
The man had most of the stolen hair care products in his possession.
The suspect was released on conditions of staying away from Pearkes. Police say the man’s criminal record goes back 20 years.
He is due in court on Oct. 10 for theft and possession of stolen property.
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