SURREY RCMP on Friday reminded the public not to leave any valuables in their car after a thief was caught stealing Christmas presents.

On December 23, at 2:30 p.m., Surrey RCMP received the report of a theft in progress in an underground parking lot located at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Hospital security located a male suspect who allegedly broke a car window and was stealing wrapped Christmas gifts.

The male suspect allegedly threatened a security guard with a weapon. Three security officers took the suspect into custody and restrained him until police arrived on scene. The suspect was arrested and transported to Surrey RCMP cells, where he will be held for a bail hearing.

Charges of theft under $5,000, breach of release order, mischief, and assault with a weapon have been recommended against the 45-year-old male suspect who is known to police.

“Thanks to the quick actions of the security guards, all the gifts were returned to their rightful owner,” said Media Relations Officer, Cpl. Vanessa Munn. “This is a stark reminder that regardless of where you are parked, valuables should be removed from vehicles.”