Van stolen by several youths on west side of Meadow Lake

Jul 19, 2017 | 11:15 AM

A van that was stolen in the city was luckily retrieved, but is one of a series of property-related crimes in Meadow Lake believed to be committed by a group of youths.

Around 3 a.m. this morning, July 19, Meadow Lake RCMP responded to a complaint of a group of youths stealing a van. When detachment members attempted a traffic stop, the occupants of the vehicle fled on foot, and a 12-year-old male was arrested fleeing the stolen van.

Sgt. Ryan How said that over the last several weeks, local police have been dealing with an increase in property crimes, and believe a group of youth are responsible for the majority of it.

The release stated the youth range in ages from 12 to 15-years-old, and that RCMP has received questions from the public about how remands work involving youth.

“Specific requirements/criteria must be met in order to remand youth under the YCJA (Youth Criminal Justice Act.) Property offences do not typically meet these requirements,” said How.

“Meadow Lake RCMP is continuing to work with local partner agencies to help address the concerns of the public,” he said. “It is extremely taxing to RCMP resources and takes away time from proactive patrols and time spent investigating more serious crimes. [We’re] asking the public to be observant and continue to report any suspicious behaviour. Watch out for your neighbours. Ensure your vehicles are always locked and no valuables are left inside.”

 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca  

On Twitter @ReporterKath