Car battery thefts in North Van: Police secure forfeiture of culprit’s truck

North Vancouver RCMP has secured the forfeiture of the truck of a man who stole car batteries in North Vancouver.

William Burgess of Surrey was convicted on two counts of theft for stealing car batteries from parked vehicles.

Throughout the month of August, 2018, the Lynnmour area of North Vancouver was plagued by 47 vehicle battery thefts.

North Van officers later learned that cars and trucks in Burnaby, Surrey and Richmond were being drained of their batteries too. After sharing information that included photos and video footage from business surveillance cameras, officers were able to identify Burgess.

He was previously known to North Vancouver RCMP for similar thefts.

While under police surveillance he was caught in the act, and a search warrant later executed at his home turned up batteries and other property.

“During one of the thefts, a worker was sleeping in the company truck while it was parked overnight at the business,” said Sgt. Peter DeVries, media spokesperson for the North Vancouver RCMP.

“He woke up when he heard banging noises, and when he went out to see what it was, the suspect took off with a number of batteries in the back of his truck.”

The case was also referred to the BC Civil Forfeiture Office, who obtained a court ruling transferring ownership of Burgess’ 2005 GMC Canyon truck, which he used while committing the offences.

The Province of BC will sell the truck at a BC Auction.