LAKELAND - Area RCMP members were able to nab a suspect following a vehicle theft that involved a 'bait vehicle.'
On Dec. 30, Two Hills RCMP left the bait vehicle on Highway 45, near Andrew. A couple days later on Jan. 1, the vehicle was stolen from the location and abandoned a short time later.
"A suspect was later identified and arrested with the assistance of Cold Lake RCMP and the Cold Lake Crime Reduction Unit," according to RCMP.
Wyatt Whitford, 24, of Bonnyville, has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, mischief to property, failing to comply with a release order, driving without insurance, and driving without registration.
"Whitford was located in another stolen vehicle and is facing additional charges from that incident," according to RCMP. He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in Vegreville Provincial Court on March 1.
Two Hills RCMP are warning would-be criminals that if they steal a vehicle, or enter it to steal items, it may be a 'bait vehicle' and suspects will be caught.
"Targeting people who steal vehicles or who attempt to steal from vehicles, is just one component of the ongoing crime reduction strategies in the Two Hills area, and across the province of Alberta," according to RCMP.
