8 stolen vehicles, 2 arrests, in 1 morning, reported by RCMP

Two Charlottetown men face a collection of charges, including breach of probation, following a rash of vehicle thefts covering four P.E.I. communities Thursday morning, say RCMP.

The two men, aged 18 and 20, face a total of 17 charges, including theft of motor vehicle, possession of stolen property, and breach of probation.

RCMP said in a news release complaints about stolen vehicles started coming in rapid succession from four communities in Queens County: Mount Herbert, Mount Albion, Lake Verde and Ten Mile House. The vehicles included pickup trucks, SUVs, cars and a motorcycle.

RCMP say the two who've been charged were found to have gift cards and other items belonging to people in and around the areas of the stolen vehicles.

Unsecured shotgun in vehicle

RCMP Staff Sgt. Mark Crowther expressed frustration with the ease with which the crimes were committed.

"Ignition chips and other safe guards in modern vehicles make it 'impossible' for thieves, but this is not the case when keys and smart fobs are left inside," said Crowther in a news release.

"Purses, wallets, Christmas gifts, gift cards and money were observed in some of the recovered vehicles. It's completely inexcusable."

Crowther said an unsecured shotgun and ammunition was also recovered from one vehicle.

All but one of the vehicles has been recovered. A brown 2002 Honda Civic, believed to have been abandoned in the Vernon River area, is still missing.

The RCMP investigation is continuing.

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