HERE'S a tip would would-be thieves: If you're making a getaway from the scene of a crime, don't drive to the police station.
This rule of thumb was apparently lost on two hapless suspects Tuesday afternoon when they allegedly snatched a horde of perfumes, medications and barber scissors from the Dundarave Shoppers Drug Mart and then fled into the waiting arms of the West Vancouver police.
Investigators were alerted to the incident at about 4: 30 p.m. when staff at the store called 911 to report a theft in progress.
In response, West Vancouver constables quickly arranged to block the exits from the North Shore, leaving the suspected thieves with nowhere to go. Police received them as they drove in front of the West Vancouver Police station in Ambleside.
After an "uneventful arrest" the two Vancouver residents were released on promise to appear in court.
The low-effort bust should serve as a warning to other would-be thieves looking to hit businesses in West Vancouver, said Cpl. Fred Harding, a spokesman for the WVPD. The geography of the area makes it difficult to escape once police have been alerted, he said.
"There's nowhere else to go," said Harding. "The highways close down. Marine Drive closes down. You can't get to the bridge. You can't get under the bridge, and you can't get on your way to Whistler. You're done."
Very few thieves successfully evade police when a crime has been reported in progress, Harding added.
This is the second time in a month that the Dundarave Shoppers has been targeted for perfume theft - a crime that has become "too common," according to Harding.Thieves like to steal it because it is valuable, easy to get and easy to sell. Once stolen, it is fenced downtown or shipped out of the country, he said.
