Meter thief nabbed

Photo: Darren Handschuh

Vernon's parking meter bandit may have been caught.

A man was caught red-handed breaking into a meter at Centennial Drive and 35th Street early Friday, Vernon RCMP have revealed.

In a press statement, Const. Jocelyn Noseworthy said a co-ordinated effort by police, bylaw officers, and RCMP volunteers led to the arrest. 

A total of 113 parking meters have been broken into in recent weeks in Vernon's downtown area at a cost of more than $20,000 in damage. 

Officers arrested a 34-year-old man as he was breaking into the parking meter about 1 a.m.

The man is being held to appear in provincial court on Monday. His name has not been released. 

Charges of theft under $5,000, mischief under $5,000 and possession of a coin-operated device breaking instrument have been recommended.