Abbotsford police investigating after James Conway’s home flooded deliberately

Ever since convicted sex offender James Conway moved to Abbotsford, the local community has made their displeasure well known.

There have been multiple protests, and the City of Abbotsford has told the service agency housing Conway that the home is in violation of zoning bylaws.

But Abbotsford Police are reminding the public to respect the law themselves after Conway’s home was broken into and flooded last night, ultimately bringing the ceiling down.

“I don’t understand what they’re doing and how that would connect to doing good for their community,” says Abbotsford Police Const. Ian MacDonald.

Three people were in the home at the time, but none were injured. MacDonald says the damage is in the tens of thousands of dollars.

MacDonald says they have dealt with close to 15 instances of vandalism and mischief at the house since Conway moved to the Bradner home last month.

Corrections officials said Conway, 40, is under constant supervision, but angry residents have been posting warning signs in the area.

Conway moved to Surrey earlier this year – but was arrested for breaching his conditions nine days later, when he allegedly sat beside a teenage girl on a bus. He later planned on moving to Delta.

Conway was also jailed for breaching conditions last year after a SkyTrain passenger reported that he was talking to and staring down the shirts of young girls.

“They certainly have a right to an opinion and a voice, and there’s been two protests out there…but Abbotsford Police have plenty to do already. Attending for thrown rocks, for locked gates, for cement around water mains is not what we would want.”

MacDonald says that they will be investigating, and the person or people involved could face charges of mischief over $5000. More electronic cameras have also been installed in the area.

For now, he’s asking the public to not escalate the tension further.

“We are fearful that this could become worse.”