FIVE alleged thieves were recently arrested by Surrey RCMP inside two separate stolen work vans.

On March 17 at 11:15 a.m., Surrey RCMP received a report that a 1999 Ford work van was stolen from the 12600-block of 112A Avenue. The vehicle had approximately $8,000 of contents inside when it was taken.

At 5:37 p.m., a frontline officer observed the stolen van in a parking lot near 152 Street and 84 Avenue with two occupants. Police arrested a 41-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman. The driver of the vehicle was released on conditions with a future court date.

On March 31, the Surrey RCMP Auto Theft Target Team located a work van that was reported stolen from Langley. The van was located in the 14500-block of 105A Avenue and three occupants were taken into police custody. Police located other stolen property inside the van, including Toyota Tacoma tailgates.

Devin Wilkinson, 25, has been charged with possession of a break-in instrument, two counts of fail to comply with release order, two counts of possession of property obtained by a crime under $5,000 and two counts of theft under $5,000.

Rupinder Sooch, 38, has been charged with take/occupy a vehicle without consent, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possession of ammunition.

“The Surrey RCMP Auto Crime Target Team has prioritized work van thefts as they recognize the lasting impact these thefts can have on a person’s livelihood,” said Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer, Cpl. Vanessa Munn. “These two examples are unrelated, but demonstrate our commitment to quickly locating stolen vehicles and bringing those responsible before the courts.”

April is Auto Crime Enforcement Month and Surrey RCMP are encouraging owners to ‘be car smart’ by taking extra steps and necessary precautions to lock their vehicles and make them unattractive to thieves. Visit Surrey RCMP website for more information on how to protect yourself from falling victim to Auto Crime.