File: 19-13461

West Vancouver, B.C. – Sharp-eyed detectives recognized a pattern in the days leading up to the thefts, leading to a multi-jurisdictional investigation and convictions

In 2019, West Vancouver experienced a series of break-and-enters targeting high-end residential properties. During the investigation, detectives noticed a consistent pattern: a man walking a German Shepherd puppy was regularly seen in the vicinity of the impacted homes in the days leading up to the break-ins.

This crucial information was shared with policing partners throughout the Lower Mainland, and the distinct modus operandi was linked with additional break-ins in Coquitlam and Burnaby. An investigation was launched, and on November 20th, 2019, the West Vancouver Police Department’s Target Team and the Coquitlam RCMP Prolific Target Team arrested Michael Horyn, a 58-year-old man from Port Coquitlam. Search warrants were executed on a storage locker in Calgary and his residence in Port Coquitlam, resulting in the recovery of stolen property from break-ins in West Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Burnaby.

On October 30th, 2025, Michael Rudolph Horyn was convicted of two counts of Break & Enter and five counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. Sentencing for Mr. Horyn is scheduled for January 28, 2026, in Port Coquitlam Provincial Court.

“This file highlights the power of pertinent and timely communication and coordination with our policing partners”, says Suzanne Birch, spokesperson for the West Vancouver Police Department. “Thieves should understand that working outside their own neighbourhood does not provide them cover – we are committed to working across jurisdictional boundaries to hold them accountable, no matter where they operate”.