REGINA — The Regina Police Service is urging the public to secure valuables after multiple reports of theft, including stolen vehicles, at city recreation facilities over the past two weeks.
Police believe up to nine youths, aged 9 to 13, may be involved.
On Oct. 2, at approximately 6 p.m., police received a report from a recreation facility in the 1700 block of Elphinstone Street. Four sets of keys were taken from an unlocked dressing room, and the suspects used them to steal two vehicles from the parking lot.
Officers located the vehicles that evening. While two youths were taken into custody from one of the vehicles, they were released due to their age. The vehicles were tracked by the Aerial Support Unit, which reported speeds exceeding 170 km/h at times within the city.
On Oct. 7, at approximately 7 p.m., police received another report of a stolen vehicle at a different recreation facility on Elphinstone Street. Keys, identification, and a phone were taken from an unlocked locker. The suspects used the keys to steal a vehicle and later took a license plate from another car outside a recreation facility on Lindsay Street.
The youths then travelled outside Regina, including Balgonie and Melville, breaking into businesses and stealing various items. During a traffic stop attempt by RCMP, the suspects evaded officers at high speed, nearly striking one. Early the following morning, a 13-year-old male suspect was arrested in relation to the incident.
Police continue to receive reports of thefts of unsecured items at recreation facilities across Regina, some believed to be connected to the above incidents.
The Regina Police Service monitors crime trends and adjusts patrols as resources allow. Officers remind the public to lock personal belongings, never leave valuables in vehicles, and ensure vehicles are locked at all times.
