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'Daring' thief pinches valuables during skating practice

Victoria police looking for male suspect following theft at Save-On-Foods arena

While skaters practised on the ice at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena Sunday night, a thief walked away with their wallets, cellphones, iPod music players and car keys.

Police say the thief was able to gain entry to a locked change room with a key taken from a bench, between 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. The value of the items taken is still being tallied.

"It could just be a crime of opportunity but it does seem more like it was something that was planned a bit," said Const. Mike Russell, Victoria police spokesperson.

The male suspect allegedly used the car keys to stole more electronic items from three vehicles parked outside. "And in one of the vehicles he throws everything in and takes off (in a 2009 Ford Escape)," Russell said. "It was daring."

The stolen vehicle was recovered later that night in the 1400-block of Store St. and towed back to the Victoria police station for forensic analysis.

A suspicious man seen in the arena at the time of the theft is described as white, clean-shaven and balding with red or sandy-coloured hair. He also had scratches on his forehead.

The suspect is also said to be 5-foot-8 or 5-foot-9, between 250 to 360 pounds and was wearing a black nylon jacket at the time.

 

emccracken@vicnews.com