Police searching for totem pole thief

For more than a decade, an eight-foot-tall Styrofoam totem pole of a bear holding a book sat in Michael Primeau's backyard.

The 75-pound piece of art disappeared overnight Saturday (March 16) from his home in the 2800-block of Admirals Rd., soon after Primeau posted an ad online looking to sell it.

Saanich police Sgt. Steve Eassie said it's unknown what someone would do with such a large and distinctive item.

"My only thought is that it was likely taken for the purposes of damaging it or as a prank," he said.

Police are asking residents living along the Gorge waterway to keep an eye on the shoreline, as there's a possibility the Styrofoam item was thrown in the water.

Eassie said a skateboard was found in Primeau's backyard, leading officers to believe a youth or youths were involved.

Police are asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of the totem pole or the individuals responsible for the theft to call 250-475-4321.

Street light under fire

Someone with an air rifle has a beef with a Saanich streetlight.

A lamp standard in in the 900-block of Seapearl Pl. near Claremont secondary has twice been damaged by someone shooting out the light.

Saanich police say it's the only streetlight in the area that's been targeted.

Both times the lens and cover have been damaged. Repairs cost Saanich about $1,000.

It's believed the shooter is using a high-powered, 22-caliber air rifle. The concern, police say, is that ricocheting ammo or a misfire could result in injury.

Sgt. Steve Eassie says the mischief is likely taking place at night or early in the morning.

Police are asking anyone with information on these incidents to call 250-475-4321.

Mainlanders nabbed with kilos of bud

Two out-of-towners were arrested last week with 2.7 kilograms of marijuana in their car.

A Saanich police officer pulled the vehicle over in the 3900-block of Glanford Ave. after witnessing the driver disobey a traffic signal.

The driver and passenger, both males, were acting suspicious. The officer called for assistance from a canine unit.

A police dog arrived and could smell narcotics from outside the vehicle. A search of the car uncovered the packaged marijuana.

A 30-year-old Surrey man, and a 25-year-old Nanaimo man face charges of possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking.

kslavin@saanichnews.com