The RNC conducted “Operation Rancor”. Operation Rancor is a project focused on residential break and entries that were occurring on the Northeast Avalon.During the latter part of Winter and Spring of 2016, RNC investigators noticed a pattern of residential break and entries occurring in the Northeast Avalon region, where the person responsible would enter homes while they were occupied.
Entry was normally gained through unlocked windows or doors, and purses or wallets were stolen. This trend was concerning for investigators because of the potential for confrontation between the occupants and the person responsible.
Operation Rancor was very successful and resulted in multiple charges being laid against two brothers; Darren Burke, age 39 of St. John’s, was arrested on July 31, 2016 and charged with one count of Break and Entry on that date.
Cory Burke, age 31 of St. John’s, was arrested on Sept 4, 2016 and charged with five counts of Fraud under $5000 and three counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.