Three people are now in police custody after a Langford victim of a break and enter took to the Internet to buy back his own stolen shoes.
Numerous items were stolen from a residence in the 2800-block of Glen Lake Road on Saturday, Jan. 18 during a break and enter. Among the items were two pairs of high-end running shoes.
Two days after the break in, the victim found the shoes for sale on UsedVictoria. Without notifying police, they, along with other family members, agreed to meet with the seller to buy the shoes.
The victim bought back the shoes, at the same time getting a good look at the seller. They were able to provide police with enough information to identify the seller.
As a part of the ensuing investigation, a search warrant was executed on Friday, Jan. 24 at an apartment in the 2700-block of Peatt Road in Langford. Inside police found a 43-year-old male, a 37-year-old male and a 38-year-old female, along with a large amount of stolen goods.
No names have been released as of yet.
All three face charges including eight counts of possession of stolen identity documents, six counts of possession of stolen credit cards and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime.
The 43-year-old also faces two counts of trafficking in property obtained by crime, having sold the stolen runners.
Police are advising via press release that although "it was a good bit of 'police work'" they do not recommend people attempt to do something similar. If you do find an item stolen from you online, police recommend you call your local detachment.