Two Port Hardy security guards are being credited with helping RCMP put an alleged thief behind bars.
According to Port Hardy RCMP Acting Detachment Commander Cpl. Stuart Foster, in the early morning hours of Aug. 20 the Bargain Shop was broken into. The thief smashed the glass in the front door to gain access and while inside stole an undisclosed amount of merchandise, Foster said.
RCMP arrived on scene, however they were unable to find the suspect.
About an hour later, The Source was also broken into using the same method of gaining entry, said Foster.
Fortunately, Aries Security Ltd. guard Guy Hogan was in the area. Hogan called Harry Farmer, who was also out on patrol, to let him know there was a suspicious person in the area.
“Harry responded,” said Aries Security owner Anika Kelly.
Hoping to catch the criminal, Farmer took “the dirt path behind those buildings,” Kelly said, and started walking toward The Source.
After Hogan got off the phone, he dialled 911. While on the phone, The Source’s alarm went off.
“Harry heard a faint alarm and stopped and waited, and that’s when he saw the fellow, and began a foot chase,” said Kelly.
With directions from Farmer, RCMP found and arrested the man, who was in possession of items from The Source.
“Michael Joseph has been charged with break and enter, disguise with intent, and other charges unrelated to the break and enter,” said Foster.
Joseph has been remanded in custody until his first court appearance.
RCMP are diligently working to solve the other break and enters which have occurred at the Port Hardy Museum and Archives and the Bargain Shop, said Foster.