REGINA – A string of vehicle thefts in and around Regina through August has one man in custody as a suspect.
Between the RPS Stolen Auto Unit and the Saskatchewan RCMP, one Regina man is facing over 20 charges in relation to the events that occurred between Aug. 2 and 11.
"Police investigation has revealed that the male is believed to be responsible for stealing nine vehicles from nine different locations in Regina and surrounding rural communities over the span of ten days in August," said RPS in a media release.
In all nine thefts, the vehicles stolen had unlocked doors with keys inside,
“Theft of auto is almost always a crime of opportunity. This investigation is an important reminder for the public to always lock vehicle doors and take the keys out of the vehicle,” said Inspector Cory Lindskog of the RPS Investigative Services Division. “Our Stolen Auto Unit works diligently and successfully to track and recover vehicles once they have been stolen, but we all have a role to play in preventing auto theft from the start.”
An Aug. 2 vehicle theft occurred on Green Crescent, later recovered in Avonlea. A day later, another vehicle was stolen in Wilcox, later found in Aylesbury.
On Aug. 5, RCMP investigated a stolen vehicle out of Milestone, which was later recovered by RPS after a hit and run collision in Regina. Another stolen vehicle from a home in Avonlea was also found in Regina on the same day.
Another vehicle was nabbed from Emerald Park, again found within Regina city limits by RPS. On the same day, two stolen guns from a home in Avonlea were also found in Regina.
Aug. 8 noted another stolen car from Avonlea, later found in Regina, plus a vehicle stolen in Aylesbury that was in a hit and run collision in Regina. A further report of a stolen vehicle happened on Windfield Road, also recovered by RPS.
Two days later, a vehicle was taken from a home in White City, later recovered by RCMP in Wilcox.
The stealing streak would end on Aug. 11 after a stolen vehicle from Wilcox was incapacitated in Regina.
"RPS located the vehicle driving in Regina and a tire deflation device (spike belt) was successfully deployed," RPS said. "The male driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The male was located by members of the Canine Unit and taken into police custody without incident."
Ralph Alvin Joseph Keshane, 21, of Regina was charged with 10 counts vehicle theft; four counts possession of stolen property over $5,000; two counts failure to stop after an accident; and single counts theft under $5,000, break and enter with intent, dangerous operation of a vehicle, flight from police officer plus numerous weapons offences and failure to comply with a probation order,
Keshane made his first appearance in Regina Provincial Court on Aug. 14, and appeared again on Aug. 28 after continued police investigation brought forth new charges.
"In continued collaboration with the RCMP White Butte Detachment, the investigation is still ongoing," RPS said. "Further charges are pending."
— Click for more from Crime, Cops and Court.
Don't count on social media to deliver your local news to you. Keep local news a touch away by bookmarking SASKTODAY.ca's homepage at this link.
Click to bookmark our Crime, Cops and Court section.
Here's why you should bookmark your favourites.
