Darren Burke, 39 and Cory Burke, 31 were arrested following "Operation Rancor," a project focused on residential break-ins in the RNC's northeast Avalon policing jurisdiction.
The RNC said in a news release, during the latter part of winter 2015 and spring 2016, investigators with its General Investigation Unit (GIU) noticed a pattern of residential break and entries occurring, where someone would enter homes while they were occupied. Entry was normally gained through unlocked windows or doors, and purses or wallets stolen. The RNC said this trend was concerning for investigators because of the potential for confrontation between the occupants and the intruders.
As well, investigators took into account the anxiety suffered by the victims, knowing that someone had been in their residence while they were at home.
“Operation Rancor" involved collaboration between the General Investigation Unit, Patrol Services, Forensic Identification Section, Crime Analysts and Police Dog Services divisions of the RNC.
Darren Burke was arrested on July 31 and charged with one count of break and entry on that date.
The RNC said since his initial arrest, he has been remanded into custody and subsequently charged with another four counts of break and entry.
The younger brother, Cory Burke, was arrested on Sept. 4, 2016 and charged with five counts of fraud under $5,000 and three counts of possession of property obtained by crime.
Unrelated to "Operation Rancor," the RNC said Cory Burke is also charged with robbery as a result of an incident on Aug. 18 at Ultramar, on Blackmarsh Road in St. John’s.
The RNC said it would like to thank the public for continued support and co-operation in the police force's attempt to achieve “safer communities through policing excellence”.
