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Suspect arrested in connection with thefts

Last week was a good week for crime prevention in Whistler following the arrest of Stephen Ernest Blackwater, whom the Whistler RCMP describe as a prolific property offender.

Last week was a good week for crime prevention in Whistler following the arrest of Stephen Ernest Blackwater, whom the Whistler RCMP describe as a prolific property offender.

Blackwater is a suspect in several break-ins in Whistler over the past few months, and was due to appear in court in North Vancouver on another charge. When he did not appear on March 12, the RCMP immediately put up posters in public areas and contacted the media to request the public's assistance in locating Blackwater.

On March 16, the RCMP received a tip from someone who was riding a Whistler Transit bus and recognized Blackwater from the posters. They called the RCMP, who intercepted the bus and arrested Blackwater without incident.

The RCMP and Crown have recommended that Blackwater, 30, of no fixed address, be held in custody until he faces charges related to three break-ins.

The Whistler Resort and Club was broken into on Feb. 18 and March 8, and the Whistler Eye Clinic was broken into on March 4.

In total Blackwater has been charged with four counts of breaking and entering, one count of breaching an earlier condition that he stay out of Whistler, and for failing to appear in court on another charge.

At his first court appearance Blackwater may be ordered to provide a DNA sample, which will be compared to DNA samples taken from another break-in at the Whistler Tennis Club.

"The good news is that we got a prolific property offender off the streets, and it has been a lot quieter since," said Sergeant Steve Wright of the Whistler RCMP.

The RCMP want to know where Blackwater was staying in Whistler. It is believed that he worked alone, but they would like to know where and how he spent his time in the community.

Anyone with information can call 604-932-3044.