Car stolen after keys left inside vehicle

A 19-year-old Prince George man is in custody, suspected of taking advantage of keys left in a car to steal the vehicle early Thursday morning.

RCMP received a report at 5:45 a.m. of a theft in progress at a 700 block 17th Avenue home, and about 10 minutes later, a Ford Tempo matching the description was spotted near the corner of 20th Avenue and Redwood Street.

When officers turned on their lights and sirens, the driver fled in the car. Police did not pursue in the name of public safety, RCMP said, but a few minutes later it collided with a fence and almost struck a house near 20th Avenue and Hemlock Street.

The driver fled on foot and an RCMP police service dog and handler were called in. A suspect was arrested a few minutes later, found hiding near an 1800-block Gorse Street home.

The owner had left the keys in the vehicle, RCMP said. The man's name was not released.

RCMP also said five vehicles and a motorcycle had been stolen this week alone and released a map showing where the thefts occurred.

"Police are requesting that all vehicle owners take the necessary steps; including using an anti-theft device, to ensure their vehicle does not get stolen," RCMP said. "Doors should always be locked and the keys should never be left in the vehicle."

Anyone with information on any of the thefts is asked to call Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300, or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Tips can also be provided online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca, or by texting CRIMES using keyword "pgtips."