On August 18, 2021, Powell River RCMP responded to a break and enter and theft from a residence in Cranberry. The homeowner identified a possible suspect to police as Veronica Chesney had been observed in the driveway. The homeowner had a fitbit and a cell phone stolen.
While police were patrolling the area, an officer observed Chesney being chased by Mitchell Brothers employees, who told police she had stolen from the grocery store. Chesney was arrested for theft. Police searched Chesney and located the stolen fitbit and cell phone as well as a number of items in her bags identified as stolen from Mitchell Brothers.
On October 20, 2021, police responded to a break and enter at a residence on Kokanee Place. The homeowner was alerted by a neighbour who observed the theft occur on their video surveillance. The surveillance showed a female dressed in all black walk up the driveway and minutes later leave with a basket full of canned food. The homeowner confirmed their outdoor pantry was open and a basket and food were missing. Police arrived and were able to view the video and identify the female suspect as Chesney. Police making patrols located Chesney with the basket of food. She was arrested for break and enter.
On November 3, 2021, a resident of Manson Avenue called police to report that Chesney was at his residence refusing to leave. Police attended, located Chesney in the front yard and arrested her on outstanding warrants. When searched by police, Chesney was in possession of a stolen licence plate. She was arrested for possession of stolen property.
On July 12, 2022, Chesney appeared in Powell River Provincial Court and was sentenced for several offences, including break and enter (guilty of the lesser included offence of theft), theft under $5,000, possession of stolen property and fail to comply with a probation order. She was sentenced to a suspended sentence, probation for 18 months, 30 hours of community service, apology letters to the victims and a victim surcharge fine of $100.
