Two recent vehicle theft incidents have pushed Prince George RCMP to warn residents to be cautious of vehicle theft opportunities.
A Prince George resident was in the parking lot on the 3000 block of Massey Drive waiting for her vehicle to warm up while she waited in her friend’s car on the evening of January 27th.
The idling vehicle was within the eyesight of the owner when she saw a male get out of a nearby pick-up truck and get into her vehicle and drive off.
Her vehicle was located the next morning in a ditch and police have identified the suspect as 26-year-old Cheven Schlitt.
Schlitt was arrested for possession of stolen property, his charge has since been approved and he has been released on bail pending a further court date.
A similar incident occurred not long after in the early morning hours of February 3rd on the 1700 Block of Queensway.
An employee of a local business left his vehicle idling in a parking lot and within minutes a female got into the vehicle and drove away.
Police reviewed video surveillance and officers located the vehicle a short distance away, where they arrested 34-year-old Nikita Teegee for theft of a motor vehicle.
Teegee has held her for a court appearance the next morning.
RCMP are now reminding drivers to take extra precautions with their vehicles during the cold weather months.
PG RCMP Constable Jeniffer Cooper explained that the drop in temperature creates a need for drivers to start their vehicles to warm up before heading out on the roads.
However, those without a remote start are at a disadvantage and feel the need to make the choice between a cold vehicle, or leaving their vehicle running with their keys in the ignition.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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