North Vancouver RCMP have arrested a man after investigating over a dozen reports of thefts from locker rooms and subsequent fraud.
In February 2025, North Vancouver RCMP launched an investigation into reports of thefts occurring at various recreation centres in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby and Vancouver. Investigators noted a trend where wallets were stolen from unlocked lockers, and purchases were made immediately at local retailers with the stolen credit cards. Most often, the purchases were made with pre-paid credit cards and Airbnb gift cards.
On March 14, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant concerning theft and fraud investigations at a home in North Vancouver. Officers seized credit cards, gift cards, ID cards, and suspected stolen identity documents in the names of 75 people, which have been linked to at least 28 police files across the Lower Mainland. The value of the recovered gift cards is estimated to be over $25,000.
Multiple suspects were identified during the execution of the search warrant and believed to be responsible for the thefts and frauds. One of the suspects was bound by previous court conditions not to have ID documents/cards in other people’s names.
Our investigators worked diligently to gather evidence and prepared several Judicial Authorizations to further the investigations, said Corporal Mansoor Sahak of the North Vancouver RCMP. They are ongoing, and officers anticipate recommending charges to BC Prosecution Service shortly against the man.
Police are reminding citizens to be extra vigilant in protecting their personal identification, credit cards and valuables, which, once stolen, may all be used fraudulently. Locking up your belongings while using fitness facilities is an easy yet critical step in safeguarding your personal effects. Bring your lock or ask fitness centre staff for locker tokens.
