A prolific offender is headed to a federal penitentiary today after some early morning work by West Vancouver Police Patrol Team members.

Shortly after 3:30 Wednesday morning Patrol officers checked and identified a male walking near the intersection of Marine Drive and Capilano Road.

The 44 year old man with a last known address in North Vancouver was found to have an extensive criminal history including over 50 convictions since 1986.

He was allowed to proceed, but was placed under surveillance.

Shortly after 4:00am, officers tracked the suspect to a business in the 1900 block of Marine Drive in North Vancouver where a break and enter was attempted.

A West Vancouver Police Service Dog and Handler were in the area and the suspect was tracked to a yard in the 200 block of Mathias Road and apprehended.

The suspect was held in custody at West Vancouver Police headquarters until a first court appearance today at North Vancouver Provincial Court.

At his first appearance in court, 44 year old Raymond KATONA pleaded guilty to a single charge of Break and Enter.

KATONA has been sentenced to two years in a federal penitentiary.