Langley pickup theft likely linked to Abby carjacking and Surrey truck theft

An attempted auto theft in Langley may be linked to a stolen vehicle investigation in Surrey and a carjacking incident in Abbotsford, all happening March 2.

The Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT) is currently investigating.

In the early afternoon of March 2, IMPACT located a reported stolen F350 pickup truck in the area of 126 Street and 88 Avenue in Surrey. A team of police officers followed the vehicle as it travelled into Langley in an attempt to find an opportune time to arrest the occupants. Unfortunately, the driver of the stolen vehicle managed to evade capture.

Then at about 3:40 p.m. the Langley RCMP got a report. The owner of a similar F350 pickup truck who stated that he had interrupted the attempted theft of his vehicle in the area of 272 Street and 28 Avenue in Langley.

The owner stated he jumped into the box of his truck just as the suspect drove off with it. The suspect driver allegedly attempted to shake the owner off the truck by driving erratically.

“The suspect driver then supposedly stepped on the brakes and the owner went through the rear window from the box of the truck, hitting his head on the dashboard,” said Insp. Peter Jadis of IMPACT. “The suspect jumped out of the truck just six blocks away from the original location and was immediately picked up another F350 truck, which appears to be the same vehicle that was originally being sought after by IMPACT. The victim of the attempted vehicle theft received relatively minor injuries as a result of his ordeal.”

IMPACT was alerted that a stolen truck from Surrey was seen travelling eastbound on Fraser Highway in Langley.

As IMPACT investigators made their way, Abbotsford Police Department received a call at approximately 4 p.m. from a victim of an alleged carjacking incident in the parking lot of the University of Fraser Valley, Jadis said.

The suspects were able to leave the area in the stolen Hyundai Santa Fe. Minor injuries were sustained by the owner of that vehicle, which was recovered shortly thereafter in the downtown core of Abbotsford. The original F350 stolen from Surrey was recovered in the university parking lot.

“Early indications of our investigation are suggesting that the three incidents appear to be related,” said Jadis. “We are working very closely with both Langley RCMP and Abbotsford Police Department to find those suspects responsible for these crimes.”

Police are appealing to the public who may have witnessed these incidents to come forward with information. People can contact their nearest policing office.

“These events occurred in the daytime during busy hours when many vehicles and foot traffic would have been heavy in those neighborhoods,” Jadis commented.

He’s also warning the public to be vigilent.

“Carjackings are often crimes of opportunity. Always be aware of your surroundings and, as much as possible, take proactive steps to minimize your risks,” he cautioned.

Witnesses or anyone with information on these incidents can call Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200. To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers:

There are four ways to leave an “anonymous tip” with Crime Stoppers.

Talk: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Type: www.solvecrime.ca.

Text: BCTIP and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Facebook: www.facebook.com/metrovancouvercrimestoppers.