HOME INVADERS HITS MAN WITH CROWBAR

Two Drug Thieves Accosted One Man and Threatened Another Friday
Afternoon on a Central Maple Ridge Property.

A man was attacked with a crowbar in an attempted home invasion late last week.

Police, who believe the two men were hunting for a pot farm, are
warning people that this type of crime is on the rise here, said RCMP
Insp. Derren Lench.

"This incident appears to be a case of thieves attempting to steal
marijuana," he explained.

"We do not feel this type of crime will have any effect on the average
citizen, but certainly poses a threat to persons who grow marijuana -
either legally or illegally."

At about 3:15 p.m. Friday, two men broke onto a property on 124th
Avenue, east of 232nd Street, and came face-to-face with two other men
working on the residence.

One of the suspects was armed with a crowbar and wielded it as a
weapon, hitting one of the men. Lench said the victim was luckily not
badly injured.

Following the confrontation, the would-be thieves left without
stealing anything.

However, they had the right house because police did seize some
marijuana plants from the property.

"I also would like to appeal to citizens to call us if they see any
strange behaviours in their neighbourhoods, or suspect a marijuana
growing operation is taking place," Lench said.

"This type of crime has occurred somewhat frequently in the Lower
Mainland, and all police agencies have become aware of this activity,"
he added.

Both suspects are described as Caucasian, and in their early 20s, with
slim builds.

They drove off in a dark blue or black car, possibly a newer model
Nissan Altima, police said.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Ridge Meadows RCMP at
604-463-6251.

Or, to remain anonymous, tipsters can call CrimeStoppers at
1-800-222-8477, or leave a TIP online at www.bccrimestoppers.com.

CrimeStoppers will pay a reward of up to $2,000 for information that
leads to an arrest and conviction.