Car prowling suspect arrested, stolen items recovered

Okotoks RCMP arrested a man found prowling through cars in Okotoks Tuesday night and numerous of stolen items were recovered as a result.

At approximately 11:10 p.m. on Dec. 6, RCMP received a report of a suspicious man looking into vehicles with a flashlight in the Crystal Shores area. Police responded and found and arrested a man matching the suspect’s description walking along a sidewalk in the area. He was carrying two bags at the time, one of which contained several stolen items.

Police are looking to return several items to their rightful owners and are asking anyone who is missing any of the following goods to contact the Okotoks RCMP detachment, including Oakley sunglasses with a case, a pink screwdriver, a silver flashlight, a Roots wallet, car keys and a set of keys with several attached.

Okotoks RCMP Sgt. Sukh Randhawa reminded people to lock their vehicles when unattended and to remove any keys or valuables.

Police also thank the public for their assistance in this case helping to apprehend a suspect.

“I think the message is very clear, we remind the public to take their belongings out of their vehicle, lock it and for any suspicious activity they see, observe in the community, in their neighbourhood, call the RCMP,” he said.

Okotoks RCMP have charged James Hanlon, of no fixed address, with possession of stolen property, mischief and failure to comply with conditions. He is scheduled to appear in Okotoks Provincial Court on Dec. 9.

He said the accused is not involved in several recent car thefts in the community.

He said RCMP are still investigating those thefts.

Anyone with information in this or any other crime can call Okotoks RCMP at 403-995-4202 and anonymous tips can be made to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).