Man charged after rash of break-ins at businesses in Kelowna, B.C.

Downtown Kelowna is seen in this file photo. (CTV News)

A British Columbia man is in police custody, facing several charges, following a series of break-ins at businesses in the Okanagan region.

The Kelowna RCMP says Gary Gadawski was arrested twice this month after multiple break-ins were reported around the city.

The first incident was reported on April 15, when officers responded to a break-in at an automotive shop in the 1700 block of Harvey Avenue, where items were reportedly stolen from a vehicle that was in the shop for repairs.

Gadawski, of Salmon Arm, was arrested later that afternoon and was released the next day following a court appearance.

Four more break-ins at Kelowna businesses were reported between April 18 and April 20, police said in a news release Tuesday.

“Based on a review of the evidence, police believed that Gadawski was responsible for these alleged offences, as well,” the release said.

Gadawski was arrested a second time on April 20 and has since been charged with four counts of breaking and entering and one count of failing to comply with a release order.

“Property crime, particularly break-ins targeting local businesses, remains a priority for the Kelowna RCMP,” said Cpl. Steven Lang in a statement.

“Through quality investigative work and co-ordination between our proactive enforcement unit and frontline officers, police were able to identify and arrest an individual who is allegedly responsible for targeting members of the business community.”

Gadawski was held in police cells and is scheduled to appear in court next on Wednesday.