On August 31, 2020 at 11:38 p.m., a resident contacted the Port Moody Police Department to report that he had just walked outside his home and discovered an unknown male sitting inside his car.
Upon the suspect being confronted by the vehicle’s owner, as opposed to exiting the car as requested, the suspect instead locked himself inside, alleging that the vehicle belonged to him.
The complainant quickly produced his car key, pressed the unlock button, which successfully unlocked the doors, thus proving vehicle ownership.
The suspect then exited the car, and attempted to flee the scene on foot, while now in possession of the complainant’s jacket, which previously had been left inside the car.
The complainant followed the suspect on foot to a nearby convenience store where he was pointed out to officers upon their arrival. The male suspect (40 years) was arrested for Theft Under $5000, and later released with a court date.
The Port Moody Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to lock their doors, and ensure valuables are kept safely out of sight. It only takes a few moments for opportunistic thieves to gain access to a vehicle, stealing the contents, if not the entire vehicle itself!