Surrey RCMP’s Auto Crime Target Team (ACTT) has arrested a prolific car thief twice in less than a month, resulting in a total of 19 charges being laid.
On June 20th, 2016, ACTT officers observed Mark LEPPINGTON allegedly driving a stolen vehicle. LEPPINGTON fled from police on foot and stole another car parked in a nearby parking lot.
Officers on foot jumped into the moving stolen vehicle and were able to take LEPPINGTON into custody without harm to the general public.
LEPPINGTON was charged with 11 different offences arising from this incident including Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000, Possession of Stolen Property, Breach of an Undertaking (x3), Possession of Break and Enter Tools, Resist Arrest, Dangerous Driving, Theft of Motor Vehicle, and Assault a Police Officer (x2). LEPPINGTON appeared in court and was released on strict conditions.
On July 14, 2016, ACTT officers observed a mobile stolen vehicle allegedly being driven by LEPPINGTON. With the help of the Surrey RCMP’s Property Crime Target Team (PCTT), the vehicle was followed until it was abandoned.
LEPPINGTON again tried to flee on foot, but officers took him into custody. As a result of the this incident, new charges have been approved including Driving While Prohibited, Possession of Stolen Vehicle, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Break In Instruments, Resisting Arrest, and Breach of an Undertaking (x3). LEPPINGTON is currently remanded in custody.
Getting this prolific auto thief off the street will almost certainly lead to an immediate reduction in property crime, says Inspector Shawna Baher, Proactive Enforcement Officer. When an auto thief is caught they are rarely charged with a singular offense. Stolen vehicles are often the starting point for further property crimes and much larger investigations.
For more information about auto crime and property crime prevention please visit the Protect Yourself section of our website.
