BC NEWS, FORT ST. JOHN

Friday, February 9, 2024

Police in Fort St. John have made an arrest in a suspected fencing operation after seizing over $225,000 in stolen merchandise from a known residence…

On January 27, 2024, officers received a report of a shoplifter who was once again in a business located in the area of 96th Street and 93rd Ave. Initially, on January 6, 2024, the male suspect was in the business actively shoplifting. Upon officer arrival at that time, the suspect was gone. Through investigation however, officers were able to ID the suspect.

On February 1, officers obtained and executed multiple search warrants on the suspect’s residence. A large amount of stolen goods were located and seized. Over a few days time, officers processed the almost 650 seized items from the executed search warrants with an estimated value of over $225,000.

On February 4, officers received a report of the same male suspect shoplifting at the same store. Officers attended and located the suspect outside the store with items believed to be stolen. The suspect bolted the scene and after a brief foot chase, the suspect, Clifford Poole, was arrested for theft and obstruction. Poole was held for court.

Clifford Poole was remanded into custody until February 6 when he was once again remanded until February 8. While in police custody, an additional charge of Theft under $5000 was approved.

“This appears to be a fairly elaborate fencing operation,” said Staff Sergeant Scott Watson, Acting Officer In Charge of the Fort St John RCMP detachment. “The results of this investigation will have a significant impact on the local property crime trade in Fort St John and surrounding area.“

Police continue to investigate and if you have any information that can assist with the investigation, please contact the RCMP at 250-787-8100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.