A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a break and enter that happened at a business on Water Street in Saint John, N.B. Police were called to a break and enter in Area 506, the waterfront container village along the Saint John River, shortly after 11 a.m. on Sunday. “It was reported that access had been gained to the secure compound and property was stolen from a container and trailer on site,” reads a news release from the Saint John Police Force. Officers found a man nearby allegedly in possession of property stolen from the site. They arrested him for breaking and entering, and for possession of stolen property. The accused was released from custody pending a future court appearance on Oct. 6 at 9 a.m. The investigation is ongoing and Saint John police urge anyone with information to contact them at 506-648-3333. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Along with the break-in, Area 506 says it experienced damage, littering and vandalism recently, all ahead of the AREA 506 waterfront festival running from Thursday to Sunday. “AREA 506 is a place for celebration. Where memories are made, where stories are shared, and where visitors from near and far experience the best of what makes Saint John tick,” organizers wrote on social media. “We’re already working hard to clean up, and we’re looking forward to welcoming you for the biggest weekend of the summer with all the pride and hospitality that you’ve come to expect.” Ray Gracewood, founder and chairman for AREA 506, says there’s been several break ins at the site over the past several years. “This is probably the one that’s resulted in the most amount of damage,” says Gracewood. “We figured this was the one that we needed to go out and be public about, and let people know that there’s some work that needs to be done.” Gracewood says the incident hasn’t stopped excitement about the festival. “The community feedback has been incredible,” says Gracewood. “It seems like all of this aside we’re going in the right direction.” With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Nick Moore For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
