A stolen truck that ended up in the middle of the frozen-solid Fraser River was just one of several stolen vehicle reports the Prince George RCMP received over the weekend.
On Saturday, at approximately 8:45 p.m., the Prince George RCMP received a report of a stolen vehicle from Pine Centre Mall.
Officers attended and learned that a 2003 Ford F-350 was stolen sometime after 6:20 p.m. while the owner was Christmas shopping. Patrols for the vehicle were negative.
At approximately 8 a.m. on Sunday, the Prince George RCMP received a report of a truck in the middle of the Fraser River, just south of the Simon Fraser Bridge. Officers attended the area of Ferry Avenue and Clapperton Street where it is believed the vehicle went down the embankment onto the frozen river.
The Swift Water/Ice Rescue team from the Prince George Fire/Rescue were able to confirm no one was in the vehicle. Multiple Fire/Rescue resources spent several hours assisting a local tow company with the recovery of the truck.
No one has been arrested in relation to this theft, but the investigation is continuing.
Since early morning on Friday December 16, Prince George RCMP have received seven other reports of stolen vehicles or attempted stolen vehicles:
- White 2008 Ford F350 stolen from the 2600 block of Prince George Pulpmill Road (rear BC licence plate JN8255).
- 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix stolen from the 6500 block of Southridge Avenue. Vehicle was left running with the keys in the ignition while owner was shopping. The vehicle was located near Second Avenue and George Street;
- 1998 Plymouth Voyager stolen from Cherry Avenue. The vehicle was used in an armed robbery the night before.
- 2000 Chevy Silverado pick up stolen from the 200 block of North Ospika Boulevard. Vehicle was located in Quesnel.
- Attempted theft of a 2001 GMC Sierra pick up from the 900 block of Ahbau Street. Suspect(s) were unable to get the vehicle started.
- Attempted theft of a Chevrolet Suburban from the 900 block of Ahbau Street. Suspect(s) were unable to get the vehicle started, but stole the tires and rims off the vehicle. They have not yet been located;
- Attempted theft of a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pick up from Goheen Place. Suspect(s) were unable to get the vehicle started.
Police wish to remind the public to use an anti-theft device such as an immobilizer and to never leave your in keys in your vehicle.