AFTER an extensive investigation by the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT), 62 charges have been laid against five individuals. The investigation spanned several months, from July to December 2021.
“Our team worked very hard on this investigation and these charges are a culmination of all that effort,” said Inspector Rob Vermeulen, the Officer in Charge of IMPACT, on Wednesday. “We’d also like to thank both Surrey RCMP and Langley RCMP who assisted us at various times throughout this file.”
On December 8, 2021, Crown counsel approved a total of 62 charges for five accused.
All five were arrested:
1. Arthur Lawlor, 39, of Langley: 16 breach of release order charges, 7 drive while prohibited MVA charges, 2 theft of motor vehicle charges, 2 possession of stolen property (PSP) over $5,000 charges, 1 attempt break-and-enter charge, 1 possession of break-in instrument charge, 1 theft under $5,000 charge, and 1 count of trafficking stolen property charge. Total of 31 charges. Currently in custody; next court date is set for January 14.
2. Graden Bramhill, 29 of Surrey: 1 theft of motor vehicle charge, 1 possession of stolen property over $5,000 charge, 4 breaches of release order charges, 18 charges in relation to fraud identity and forgery. Total of 24 charges. Out of custody; next court date is January 14.
3- Julius Brohart, 25, of no fixed address: 1 theft of motor vehicle charge, 1 count of trafficking stolen property charge, and 1 possession of stolen property over $5,000 charge. Out of custody; next court date is January 26.
4- Ross Drysdale, 28, of no fixed address: 1 count of trafficking stolen property and 1 possession of stolen property over $,000 charge. Out of custody; next court date is January 14.
5- Michael Pankratz, 42, of Surrey: 1 possession of stolen property over $5,000 charge, and 1 drive while disqualified charge. Out of custody; next court date is February 1.
IMPACT is an integrated unit, currently made up of members from the RCMP, Vancouver Police, Delta Police, New Westminster Police, Transit Police and ICBC Special Investigations Unit.
IMPACT develops strategies to reduce auto crime in the Province of British Columbia through:
– targeting active, high-risk, repeat motor vehicle offenders
– programs that track stolen vehicles and discourage auto theft
– social media and education to increase public awareness of auto crime and prevention
Anyone with relevant information about auto crime is asked to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
