Maidstone RCMP are advising residents to make sure their vehicles are secure, after a string of thefts that may be related to joy riding. (File Photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

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Maidstone RCMP release advisory following vehicle thefts

Sep 10, 2020 | 4:14 PM

Residents in Maidstone are being advised to keep their vehicles secured, following a string of car and truck thefts in the last two days.

Following a gas station robbery on Tuesday in Lashburn, Maidstone RCMP released an advisory late Wednesday evening, following a series of break and enters of several vehicles in the region. Stolen trucks from multiple areas were found near spots where another vehicle was promptly stolen. In tracking the calls of these thefts, Sgt. Jolyne Harrison of Maidstone RCMP said there appears to be a pattern of individuals obtaining trucks to go joyriding.

“These people were taking vehicles for rides, then dumping them and getting a new one,” Harrison said.

A spree of vehicle thefts isn’t unheard, but Harrison said it’s certainly rare, even more so in 2020. Overall numbers have decreased in the area for break and enter crimes connected to vehicles, with more people spending increased time at home.

“So, Wednesday was out of the norm, because we had many people calling all at once,” Harrison said.

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One vehicle caused some damage while driving through mainstreet in Lashburn, but fortunately did not result in any injuries. Harrison said the public has been very helpful in the past two days, as several vehicles have been recovered.

“[Great job] letting us know when they’ve seen something suspicious,” she said. “Then we were able to link all these files and incidents together.”

Harrison reiterated that residents must remain vigilant and make sure vehicles are secure at all times.

“They’re often looking for opportunities that are easy,” she said. “And if the keys are in the vehicle, they will take it.”

As of Thursday morning, Harrison said there are potential suspects, but the case is still under investigation and no charges have been laid. If there’s any suspicious activity, residents can call the detachment or contact Crime Stoppers.

“If your gut feeling is that it’s suspicious and you need to call us, don’t second guess yourself, call us,” she said. “Because most of the time, [it’s] right.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports