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Surrey Mounties arrest Nanaimo mailbox theft suspect

Surrey man accused of multiple thefts from Nanaimo apartment building mailboxes.
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Police arrest Surrey man suspected of multiple Nanaimo mail box break-ins. (News Bulletin file photo)

A man suspected of multiple mail box break-ins in Nanaimo has been arrested in Surrey.

Nanaimo RCMP allege Olie Alexander Smith, 34, of Surrey, is responsible for numerous mailbox thefts that occurred from Nanaimo apartment building mailboxes in November.

According to police, Smith was identified Nov. 17 on video surveillance footage, which showed him breaking into two condominium buildings on Promenade Drive. Police also said Smith broke into cars in downtown Nanaimo and condominiums on Chapel and Poplar streets and the Esplanade a few days later.

Investigators had warrants issued for five counts of breaking and entering, theft of mail, theft under $5,000, mischief, driving while disqualified and breach of probation.

Smith was arrested Dec. 1 for firearm and drug-related offences following a search warrant carried out on his residence by Surrey RCMP and the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team.

Smith is being held in custody until his next court appearance in Surrey provincial court Dec. 18.