A Vancouver man is facing criminal charges after West Vancouver Police interrupted a break-and-enter in progress last month, aided by a homeowner watching the intrusion unfold in real time through security cameras.
According to the press release, on the morning of April 23, 2026, West Vancouver Police were alerted by a homeowner who was watching via CCTV as a male suspect trespassed onto and then entered their property. The homeowner was temporarily away from the residence at the time.
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Officers responded quickly, establishing a containment perimeter around the home and calling in the Integrated Police Dog Service for assistance. As police began to breach the front door, the suspect attempted to flee through the rear of the property — where officers were already waiting. He was taken into custody without incident.
Paul Smith, 48, of Vancouver, has been charged with one count of Break and Enter and is scheduled to appear in North Vancouver Provincial Court on May 13, 2026.
According to the press release, Sgt. Chris Bigland credited the outcome to the homeowner’s prepared security setup. “The case demonstrates the value of a functioning and activated security system,” Bigland said. “Combined with a timely report, it allowed us to interrupt a crime in progress and secure a criminal charge.”
