He strolls the streets day and night, never taking a break, but always keeping an eye out for opportunity.
He/she is called the “green thumb burglar,” by the local RCMP.
And opportunities are opening up all over for the green thumb to strike, as residents open their windows to cool off their homes, or work in the backyard while their front doors are unlocked.
“It’s just a great invitation for people who want to steal,” said Gord Molendyk, RCMP spokesperson.
Ervin Schmolke is a recent victim to the green thumb burglar.
“I was in the driveway working on my car and my wife was in the sewing room and they came right into my office (which is next to the sewing room) and took my laptop and briefcase,” said Schmolke, who fell victim to the crime in broad daylight June 13.
Then just two days later, the Goldclaim Road resident (at the end of Tronson Road) disrupted a theft at his neighbour’s house, where a computer, camera and some cash were stolen.
“These people are pretty brazen,” said Schmolke, who managed to snap some pictures for RCMP of the suspect vehicle.
RCMP found the abandoned 1993 Jeep Cherokee Sunday near its rightful owner’s home. The vehicle was stolen June 10 from a home on Alexis Park Drive after a suspect entered the home, stole a purse and found keys to the Jeep in the purse.
The vehicle was towed in for examination and RCMP are hoping the results can help lead them to a suspect. Some of the stolen property from the Saturday break and enter was also recovered in the Jeep, as well as more goods.
“There was other unidentified items that could’ve been stolen from somewhere else,” said Molendyk.
While everyone should be able to enjoy their homes, Molendyk reminds residents to lock their doors and windows when they are home.
“Think safety when you’re home in case the green thumb burglar is out and about,” he said, adding: “criminals don’t take a day off.”