VPD investigates commercial break-and-enter on Granville Street

VPD is investigating a commercial break-and-enter reported early Friday morning in Vancouver’s downtown core.

On Sept. 4 at 6:45 a.m., officers responded to a break-and-enter in progress at a business near Granville and Helmcken streets. A witness reported that a man used a skateboard to smash the commercial property’s front window before taking merchandise from inside. Officers arrived within minutes, but the suspect had fled and was not located.

The stolen property has relatively low financial value, while damage to the storefront is estimated at more than $1,000. Investigators have obtained CCTV footage and are working to identify the suspect.

Const. Darren Wong said VPD shares the concerns of local business owners, workers and residents about break-and-enters and street disorder in the downtown core. He said police remain committed to working with businesses to help keep Granville safe, vibrant and welcoming.