A Surrey man has been charged with 17 different offences — all stemming from a break-in at a local condominium’s mail room.
A news release from the New Westminster Police Department said officers arrested a suspect on Jan. 19, after a resident called 911 believing someone was breaking into the mail room in their condominium. The NWPD said the suspect is allegedly connected to a total of 17 different offences, ranging from theft of auto to possession of stolen property.
“This arrest sends a clear message that crime doesn’t pay in New Westminster,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “The street crime unit’s dedication and investigative work ensures that criminals will be identified and arrested; it’s only a matter of time.”
The New Westminster Police Department is grateful to the citizens and resident managers who take the time to report property crimes and assist police. The police department reminds residents about the importance of calling 911 when they see what they believe to be a break and enter in progress.
Mark Forrest, a 39-year-old Surrey resident, has been charged with 12 counts of break and enter, one count of mail theft, two counts of possession of a break-and-enter instrument, and one count of possession of identity documents.
Next door in Burnaby
In other mail-theft news, the Burnaby RCMP’s prolific offender suppression team announced this week that it had arrested six men after a two-month investigation into a mail theft series.
Following two break and enters at an apartment building in the Metrotown neighbourhood in October 2024, Burnaby RCMP identified a group of suspects and initiated an investigation into the group. In that investigation, Burnaby RCMP seized nearly 1,600 items (including mail, bank cards, and ID) and charged six men with a variety of theft- and fraud-related charges.
