Police seek to identify suspect in a series of construction machinery theft

Coquitlam, Information Wanted, Can You Identify

2023-06-30 08:11 PDT

File # 2023-15469

Coquitlam RCMP is investigating a series of trailer and skid-steer thefts resulting in over $150,000 loss of property.

Between May and June 2023, a suspect male has attended various Home Depot locations in Langley, Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam to steal Bobcat510 wheeled skid-steers and trailers. In all five incidents, the suspect rented the skid-steers using a false name, removed the GPS trackers and never returned them.

The suspect male can be described as:

• 30-40 years old
• 5’7 to 5’10 tall
• Medium build

The suspect was wearing:

• Black baseball hat
• Dark sunglasses
• Grey long-sleeve zip-up hooded jacket with white writing on the left chest
• Blue shorts

In June 2023, Coquitlam RCMP Property Crime Team assumed conduct of the theft series.

View larger image - White and black Bobcat510 skid-steer

View larger image - White and orange Bobcat510 skid-steer loaded onto four-wheeled trailer

View larger image - White, black and orange Bobcat S550 on trailer parked in a gravel lot

View larger image - White, black and orange Bobcat bulldozer on trailer

View larger image - White and black Bobcat bulldozer skid-steer parked in a Home Depot rental van

Police are releasing photos of the stolen Bobcat510 skid-steer and trailers for public awareness. Police believe that the items have been or have been re-sold using third-party selling websites.

Our investigators believe that the suspect has been committing similar thefts throughout the Lower Mainland and selling the items on third-party websites for below market value, said Corporal Alexa Hodgins of the Coquitlam RCMP. We are asking anyone who believes they may have purchased a trailer or skid-steer from the suspect to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2023-15469.

Police are reminding the public to be diligent when purchasing expensive items through third-party sellers.

Tips for Buyers:

• Query the VIN’s to ensure they aren’t stolen prior to purchase
• Ask the seller if you can take the machinery / vehicle to a reputable mechanic for inspection prior to purchase
• Ensure both the VIN’s on the machine / vehicle match

Police are asking anyone who has information regarding these incidents or may recognize the suspect to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550, and quote file number 2023-15469.

Released by:

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: coquitlam.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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