Arrest in downtown B&Es

Photo: Crimestoppers

Mug shot of Reinders, distributed May 2009 via Crimestoppers

The Penticton RCMP are announcing charges against a man in connection to two high-profile break and enters at downtown businesses.

On March 13, the Bike Barn on Westminster Ave. was broken into, resulting in the theft of 50-60 pairs of expensive Oakley sunglasses and two high-end bikes.

Then on March 28, a theft occurred at the Gables Liquor store where access was gained through the ceiling from the vacant second floor of the building. About 500 packs of cigarettes were stolen.

Investigators managed to identify a suspect the following day.

Daryk Reinders, 38, was arrested on March 29 while driving a suspect vehicle.

“Reinders had approximately 30 packages of unopened cigarettes on him when he was arrested,” Cst. Chad Jackson said, adding that a search warrant executed on Reindeers home on Van Horne Street on the same date turned up about 50 pairs of Oakley sunglasses, many still bearing tags from the Bike Barn.

Two bikes stolen from the Bike Barn with a combined value $8,000-$9,000, and about 130 packs of unopened cigarettes believed to be stolen from the Gables were also recovered.

Reinders made his first court appearance on March 31 and was held in custody until April 3 when the Crown approved two counts of break and enter and four counts of possession of stolen property.

The accused remains in prison in Oliver, according to Jackson, who notes investigators believe he did not have any accomplices.

Reinders has a lengthy criminal record, with property crime offences dating back to 2001.