Three suspects arrested in vehicle thefts
Police issue warning after rash of crime in separate areas of city earlier this month
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Friday, February 17, 2017
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
RCMP has made three arrests and put out a public warning following a rash of attempted thefts from vehicles in the city.
RCMP officers have arrested three suspects and put out a warning after a recent rash of vehicle thefts in the city. - NNSL file photo |
According to a news release from the Mounties, they were called to the Niven Lake subdivision at about 5 a.m. on Wednesday morning after a report of suspicious activity in and around vehicles and homes in the area.
Police arrested two suspects at the scene and stated it appeared several vehicles had been entered and snow machines tampered with.
Jeremy Kuneyuna, 22, of Yellowknife is charged with 10 counts of trespassing at night, three counts of motor-vehicle theft involving snowmobiles, theft under $5,000, and failing to comply with a probation order.
RCMP have not said whether Kuneyuna was kept in custody.
Charges are also pending against another 22-year-old man whom police have not named. That suspect is scheduled to appear in court on March 28.
In a separate incident on Feb. 7, police stated that they were called to the Borden Drive area, again at about 5 a.m. after another report of suspicious activity.
Police observed tracks in the snow leading to 30 to 40 vehicles in an attempt to gain entry.
Police tracked a suspect and arrested him. He is also a 22-year-old man whom police have not named. Charges against him are pending, police stated.
He remains in custody and is to appear in court on Feb. 28.
Police have not said if they have recovered any stolen items.
With the spate of early morning incidents in two different areas of the city, police have put out an advisory to residents to safeguard their valuables.
They are telling residents to do what they can to help make sure they do not become victims of theft.
These latest crimes follow another rash of vehicle break-ins back in September where as many as 18 vehicles were broken into in a single evening.
Windows were broken and doors were damaged, and property was stolen throughout the downtown residential area.
RCMP have not stated whether any vehicles were damaged in these latest break-ins. Police have also reminded the public that victims of theft can be charged if they have not taken measures to prevent it.
"It is unlawful to leave an unattended vehicle running, unlocked, with the keys in the ignition," police stated.
"Yellowknife RCMP is committed to reducing property crime. The public can help and are encouraged keep an eye on their's and their neighbours' property and to report any suspicious activity to RCMP of Crime Stoppers."
