Regina canine unit, police plane combine to disrupt break-in

A Regina police canine team and the Aerial Support Unit joined forces to foil a break-and-enter in the city Sunday.

A police media release said the canine team was patrolling in the area of Sixth Avenue East and Park Street just before 2 a.m., when the officer saw fresh tire tracks next to an opening in a fence at a commercial compound.

The officer called the police plane to investigate and the officer in the plane, using thermal imaging, quickly determined there was a vehicle and two people inside the compound who looked to be hiding behind a trailer.

The canine officer, a police dog and two patrol officers headed for the suspects, who police said had cut a hole in a back fence and had climbed through.

The suspects were arrested and officers found a truck and trailer in the compound; the truck was loaded with what police called “a large amount of lumber.”

Police say the truck was reported stolen out of Alberta. The suspects also were found to be in possession of break-and-enter tools.

A 54-year-old man was charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, break and enter and commit, and possession of break-in instruments. A 46-year-old man is facing the same charges, as well as obstructing a peace officer.

Both men are to make court appearances in the coming days.