B.C. man charged with over 60 offences following break-in spree

White Rock resident Matthew Soper has been charged with over 60 offences, including break-ins, thefts, and fraud, following an investigation by the RCMP. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press - image credit)
White Rock resident Matthew Soper has been charged with over 60 offences, including break-ins, thefts, and fraud, following an investigation by the RCMP. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press - image credit)

A man is facing more than 60 charges following a months-long investigation into break-ins and thefts across the Lower Mainland, according to the Surrey RCMP.

The investigation began in early June after police noticed a pattern of break-ins at homes in multiple cities, the Surrey RCMP said in a statement.

Const. Parmbir Kahlon said Mounties identified Matthew Soper, a resident of White Rock, as a possible suspect in multiple break-ins., after which the RCMP's Property Crime Target Team (PCTT) launched a detailed investigation.

"Officers allege that the accused would steal garage door openers and return at a later time to gain access to the residents," Kahlon told CBC News.

On July 10, police arrested and charged Soper with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and violating conditions of his release while under investigation.

"Subsequent to [his] arrest, a search warrant was obtained and executed at his residence," Kahlon said.

The search led to the discovery of several stolen items, including sunglasses, body armour, golf clubs, and personal identification documents, according to the RCMP.

Soper was charged with 64 offences on Aug. 1, which include break and enters, vehicle thefts, fraud, and breaches of probation. In total, he faces 20 counts of failing to comply with the terms of his probation and six counts of breaching a release order.

Authorities say the charges span incidents across the Lower Mainland and parts of B.C.'s Interior.

Police say Soper remains in custody, awaiting his next court appearance.