Kamloops RCMP have arrested a 53-year-old Ontario man in connection with a series of break and enters in the Sahali area.

Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk says police were called to St. Ann’s Academy last Friday, Oct. 9, after 10 iPads and five laptops were stolen. The investigation, Buliziuk says, led police to apply for a search warrant after they were able to identify a suspect.

“Over the past weeks, the Kamloops RCMP have been responding to an increased amount of reported commercial Break and Enter offences in the Sahali area,” said Buliziuk, in a release. “Numerous investigations are underway and there appear to be common links between many of them. Work undertaken by the Kamloops RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, Criminal Intelligence Unit and General Duty Investigators has now led to the identification of a suspect.”

John Burton was arrested the following day, and police say they searched his house at the Star Lodge on Columbia St., and found the devices that were stolen from St. Ann’s Academy as well as other evidence of criminal activity.

Burton is charged with the possession of property obtained by crime. He was remanded into custody after a court appearance, according to police.

“Kamloops RCMP believe that the arrest of Richard Burton will have a positive impact in the overall reduction of property crime within the City of Kamloops,” added Buliziuk.

“This investigation speaks to the importance of quality surveillance technology and the diligence of recording information such as serial numbers that allow Police to link property back to owners.”