An astute Saanich resident can be thanked for helping police catch a prolific property thief in possession of stolen electronics after his suspicious behaviour drew unwanted attention.

The resident confronted the 27-year-old suspect after seeing him on his driveway in the 700-block of Cowper St. at about 6 p.m. last Friday. The suspicious man claimed he was looking for empty bottles, but the resident didn’t believe his story and called Saanich police.

The resident then followed the man from a distance as he walked up and down several driveways.

When officers arrived, two new individuals told police a travel backpack had just been stolen from their front lawn after returning from vacation.

Within an hour, an off-duty officer spotted the suspect exiting Cuthbert Holmes Park and into a nearby business.

The man was arrested. He was in possession of a number of stolen electronics belonging to the travellers, including a video camera, GPS unit and cellphone.

“Due to community support, police quickly arrested a well-known criminal and got the stolen property back to its owners,” said Staff Sgt. Scott Treble.

The 27-year-old faces theft, possession of stolen property and breach charges.

kslavin@saanichnews.com