File photo.
Two teens were arrested Sunday after a police bait car was taken and another stolen car was crashed.
Just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, Nanaimo RCMP were alerted to one of their bait cars being stolen. According to police, officers followed the driver, a 17-year-old boy, to the area of Hammond Bay Road. Police immobilized the vehicle and took the teen into custody without incident.
A few minutes later, officers saw a Honda in the area that had crashed. Police said the 16-year-old driver fled on foot. He was later arrested while attempting to make a call for a taxi, police said.
The second teen was allegedly driving a stolen vehicle. He was also allegedly an accomplice to the 17-year-old teenage boy.
Police say that there will likely be further charges laid, as the two are possibly connected with more than of 20 other stolen vehicles around Nanaimo.
“These two boys are believed to be responsible for the recent spike in stolen cars which began on or about October 9th throughout Nanaimo and involving upwards of 20 late model Honda products,” said Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP in a statement.
Parents of both teens were contacted later that same day. The two teens are expected to make an appearance in Nanaimo Provincial Court on Jan. 18, 2018.
Police are also urging the public to be extra cautious in this time of year, as social functions usually lead to vehicles being parked in unfamiliar areas. Valuables such as gifts are also strongly advised to be hidden.
Julian Kolsut
