STRATEGIC PARTNERS
February 6, 2003
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Vancouver Police believe they've cracked a theft ring after seizing numerous weapons in connection with 24 bank robberies that targeted ATMs.
According to a report in The Province, officers executed numerous search warrants and uncovered assault rifles and other weapons, 1.7 kilograms of cocaine (about 3.74 pounds) and an assortment of break-in tools.
"We are investigating break-ins at 24 financial institutions of all types, including credit unions," said Detective Les Yeo. "They were targeting the ATMs. There was a large quantity of break-in tools. We had to bring in a van to take it all away."
Yeo said long-term surveillance led to the arrests of two Vancouver residents, 28-year-old Erin Yvonne Swales and 23-year-old Nathan Gallagher.
Yeo said police hope to solve some, or even all, of 24 break-ins over the last two years.
The two have initially been charged with five counts of break-and-enter, and one charge of possession of break-in instruments. However, Yeo said he expects the pair will be charged with another 20 firearms offenses as well as drug charges, including possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
The seized items include a .380 semi-automatic handgun with silencer, a 9 millimeter handgun, a 7.62 assault rife with sawed off stock and bayonet, a Ruger M77 rifle, two bullet-proof vests and counter-surveillance equipment.
