A man found in possession of break-in tools in Campbell River last week has received—and likely already served—a one-day jail sentence for the offence. Michel Guillemette-Salter pleaded guilty to the charge, as well as to breaching his probation, in Port Alberni provincial court later on the day of his arrest, according to online court records. He was sentenced to one day in jail on both counts, followed by a 12-month probation order, according to a news release issued Tuesday by Campbell River RCMP. The detachment said its officers “observed a suspicious male” in the 1400 block of Dogwood Street shortly after midnight on Friday, Aug. 28. The officers were in the area on an unrelated call. “Given the recent spike in property crime and break-ins throughout Campbell River, once clear of their original call, officers conducted further inquiries and confirmed the individual was wanted on an outstanding warrant,” the news release reads. “Officers seized a number of break-in instruments, including lock-picking tools and prying devices, during a search incidental to his arrest.” Guillemette-Salter was held in custody for a court appearance, which happened later that afternoon and resulted in the guilty pleas to both charges, as well as the one-day sentence. “Property crime and break-ins continue to be a concern for our community,” said Insp. Jeff Preston, officer in charge of the Campbell River RCMP, in the release. “The proactive observations made by our officers in this case led to the arrest of an individual with outstanding court matters and the seizure of tools that could be used to commit property offences. We remain committed to identifying and disrupting criminal activity before it affects local businesses and residents.”
