Two people were arrested Monday morning, believed to be responsible for breaking into two Greater Victoria businesses in a span of 12 minutes.
Victoria police were called to a restaurant at 3111 Cedar Hill Rd. at 2 a.m. for an alarm call.
Saanich police also attended to provide containment assistance, as the Saanich-Victoria border is 150 metres away.
Twelve minutes later, a call came in to the Saanich police for a break-in at the government liquor store in Shelbourne Plaza.
A Saanich officer that was providing containment stopped a vehicle nearby. Inside the passenger was nursing a bloody hand and six large bottles of liquor were visible to the officer.
A 49-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman were arrested.
Saanich police Sgt. Steve Morgan says police believe the two crimes are related.
"We believe that's the case just because of the time frame and proximity (of the two crime scenes)," he said. "We're doing some further investigation in terms of forensic evidence to determine that.
Both suspects are expected to face charges of break and enter and possession of stolen property. The male, who was wanted on three outstanding warrants, will also face breach-related charges.
kslavin@saanichnews.com