Surrey RCMP continues to make a significant impact on auto related crime across the city with its third installment of Project Hot Wheels, an enforcement initiative whereby multiple police units collaborate to target, not only prolific auto crime offenders, but also high auto crime areas.
From September 20th until October 14th, 2016, Project Hot Wheels resulted in 24 arrests, 75 charges being laid, and 187 recovered stolen vehicles.
Of those charges, 66 were under the Criminal Code, 6 involved the Motor Vehicle Act, and 3 were under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act (CDSA). Of the 24 individuals arrested, one was a young offender and eleven were found to be in breach of court ordered conditions or recognizances.
Surrey RCMP’s Auto Crime Target Team spearheaded Project Hot Wheels with assistance from multiple Surrey units (Property Crime Target Team, Community Response Unit, Strike Force, Robbery, Traffic, Bike Squad, and General Duty) and additional support from regional and provincial units including Police Dog Services, Air Services, and the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT).
Notable investigations included the arrest of a male with warrants in Surrey and Delta that involved the Police Dog Services; two prolific offenders who were arrested in a stolen vehicle with several packages of illicit drugs and suspected in many auto crimes across the Lower Mainland; and the arrest of two individuals suspected in multiple theft from vehicle and robbery files.
While our most recent crime statistics indicate a slight decline in theft of vehicles this past quarter, our theft from vehicles were on the rise, as they have been across the Lower Mainland, says Insp. Shawna Baher, Proactive Enforcement Officer. Once again, this project helped keep a number of prolific auto crime offenders in check and reduced the likelihood of more crimes being committed in our communities by these same criminals.
Auto crime in Surrey is on a downward trend due, in part, to enforcement action like Project Hot Wheels and the work performed every day by police agencies working together, says Insp. Brian MacDonald, Officer in Charge of IMPACT. IMPACT is seeking the assistance of the public in further reducing this trend by remembering to treat your keys like cash and using an immobilizer to make it difficult for thieves.
As the cooler weather arrives, police remind residents to do their part and not leave vehicles unattended while they’re running. Keys left in the ignition, glove box, and on the dashboard provide a regular source of vehicles for thieves. For more information on how to protect your vehicle, please visit the Surrey RCMP’s website and BaitCar.com.
If you see a theft of auto or theft from auto in progress, please call 9-1-1. If you have information about these or any other crimes, please contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers, if you wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.
