RCMP stop a vehicle theft at local elementary school

MERRITT – Merritt RCMP are letting the public know and warning about vehicle thefts when left unattended.

On December 9, officers said there was a vehicle theft that occurred at a Merritt elementary school. The vehicle stolen had children inside, but police said they were able to locate the vehicle quickly. The suspect was taken into custody and the two children were unharmed and returned to their parent. According to RCMP, the parent had left the vehicle running while heading inside to pick up another child from the school and the suspect took the opportunity to get in the running vehicle.

“We recognize this incident has been very traumatic for all involved and our local school where it occurred,” said Sgt. Josh Roda. “We no longer live in a day and age where we can leave our vehicles running and expect them to be there when we come back. We want to use this as a reminder to encourage parents never leave your vehicles running if you’re not in them. If you are picking up a child from school, please bring all your children with you, shut your vehicle off and lock it.”

The suspect involved in known to police and was released on an undertaking with strict conditions.