Three suspects were taken into custody after police observed seven stolen Lexus being loaded into two shipping containers inside a Surrey salvage yard.
One of the shipping containers had been loaded onto a commercial vehicle and was leaving the area. Four of the stolen Lexus had been stolen from New Westminster.
The New Westminster Forensic Identification Unit processed the vehicles and successfully developed fingerprints belonging to the suspects.
19 year old Mohammed Bouterra, 22 year old Al Rifai, and 21 year old Yahya Zitouni pleaded guilty to theft of motor vehicles, possession of stolen property for the purpose of trafficking and use of computer system with intent to commit an offence.
“This was a team effort to put a stop to a highly coordinated and sophisticated car theft operation,” stated Sergeant Justine Thom. “Criminals should know that we’re coordinated, we’re sharing information, and we’re watching the moves they make.”
Anyone with information on car thefts is asked to call New Westminster Police.
Photo courtesy of IStock.
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