RCMP make quick arrest in Vernon business break-in with help from video surveillance

A 39-year-old man is in custody charged with counts of break and enter after stealing a vehicle over the Christmas break.

A 2 a.m. alarm notification tipped off the business owner and they watched as the suspect stole a vehicle from the business premises in the 2700-block of 35 Avenue on Dec. 27.

According to a Jan. 5 Vernon North Okanagan media release, the business owner then gave police a detailed description of the thief and the stolen vehicle.

Police later found the vehicle abandoned and shortly after 3 a.m. located the suspect in the 3200-block of 24 Avenue. The suspect was arrested without incident.

"Evidence collected during the investigation lead police to suspect the individual was also responsible for an earlier break and enter to a business in the 3200-block of 30 Avenue," the release reads.

The suspect remains in custody and has been charged with two counts of break and enter and theft.

Robert Wayne Lapp, 39, is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 6.

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