THE Surrey RCMP Auto Crime Target Team and the Property Crime Target Team recently arrested two men allegedly in possession of two stolen vehicles.

On May 28 just before 8 a.m., Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a stolen vehicle which was observed driving in the 7000-block of 149A Avenue. The stolen vehicle was a work van with several tools inside. The Surrey RCMP Auto Crime Target Team (ACTT) and the Property Crime Target Team (PCTT) located the vehicle shortly after and observed two suspects departing the area in another vehicle. The investigators learned quickly that the second vehicle, which was a personal vehicle, was also stolen earlier that day.

Officers from both teams followed the suspects until it was safe to effect an arrest. The two suspects were subsequently taken into custody without any issues. The recovered property was returned to the rightful owners. Both accused remain in custody.

Nickolas Balaz, 29, of Surrey has been charged with three counts of possession of property obtained by crime; three counts of breach of a probation order; and one count of mischief.

Michael Giroux, 34, of Surrey has been charged with one count of carry a concealed weapon; one count of possession of property obtained by crime; one count of breach of a release order; and two counts of breach of a probation order.

“Surrey RCMP’s ACTT and PCTT are pro-active teams that are mandated to identify and target prolific auto crime and property crime offenders as well as priority locations in order to gather evidence and apprehend suspects involved in auto crime and property crimes,” said Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha, Media Relations Officers for Surrey RCMP. “This investigation is a great example of the combined efforts of both teams which led to the arrest of two individuals believed to be involved in auto and property crimes.”