Pubdate: Tue, 15 Mar 2011 Source: Maple Ridge Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2011 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc Contact: http://www.mrtimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1372 Author: Amy Judd, The Times 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.