A 22 year- old Red Deer man was arrested Monday night after a mini van was reported stolen to Three Hills RCMP.
RCMP report the blue GMC mini-van was stolen from a Three Hills gas station around 9 p.m. January 12, after the vehicle’s driver left the mini-van unlocked and running while they went into the gas station.
RCMP noticed the stolen vehicle on the outskirts of Three Hills about an hour after its theft. While trying to get the driver to pull over, the mini-van came to a stop and police say a lone male dashed from the vehicle.
RCMP said they were able to quickly arrest the man and take him into custody.
Police haven’t released the name of the accused, who has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, driving while unauthorized, and breach of probation.
The accused remains in police custody awaiting a bail hearing.
Three Hills RCMP report that break and enters, theft from vehicles, and theft of vehicles is an ongoing issue throughout the detachment area.
They warn that leaving keys in vehicles, leaving vehicles unlocked, and leaving vehicles unlocked and running makes for easy targets for thieves. RCMP say this incident serves as a reminder to everyone that they should properly lock their vehicles when they leave them.
