Mounties report rash of thefts from vehicles

The Merritt RCMP is informing citizens of a rash of thefts from vehicles over the weekend.

“On January 9th, 2021 at approximately 2:00 am, an off-duty RCMP officer noted a male checking vehicle’s door handles in the Bench area,” said Cpl. Brock Hedrick.

Surveillance video of the suspect was obtained by police and distribute to all on-duty members.

“Patrols of the area located several vehicles that had been obviously broken into. A short time later a report was received from one of the vehicle owners that his credit card had been used at a local petrol station,” said Hedrick. “Additional patrols were made and a male was taken into custody after he briefly tried to run from police.”

The suspect was found to be in possession of multiple identification and credit cards from Merritt residents.

“The male who is a well-known property offender is being held for court and the police will be recommending a laundry list of charges,” added Hedrick.

If you have any information in relation to this incident, please contact the Merritt RCMP at (250)378-4262.

“The public is reminded to remove valuables from their vehicles and lock up the same before retiring for the evening. It is much easier to take one’s wallet and other valuable out of our vehicles than having to replace one’s identification, credit cards after a theft has occurred,” said Hedrick.

– Written by Michael Reeve

news@Q101.ca

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