4 youths arrested, residents warned of crime increase after car theft in Sidney, B.C.

An RCMP patch is seen on the shoulder of an assistant commissioner, in Surrey, B.C., on Friday, April 28, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Four youths have been arrested after a truck was stolen in Sidney, B.C., last week, one of a series of incidents involving the theft and vandalism of vehicles in the area, say police.

According to the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP, a man had reported his 2021 Dodge Ram as stolen the morning of Sept. 25. The report came after officers received an earlier call regarding an erratic driver behind the wheel of the same vehicle, police said.

Later that morning, Mounties received another report regarding a stuck truck at the spit area of the Tsawout First Nation community, and four youths leaving the scene. The same day, a resident of Mt. Newton Cross Road, the road leading into the community, reported an attempted theft of a vehicle from their driveway.

Police believe the theft and attempted theft are linked to other recently reported incidents, including the damage of vehicles at a dealership and thefts from vehicles in the area. The damage at the dealership is estimated to amount to over $20,000, said police.

Anyone with any information regarding the series of incidents is asked to contact the local RCMP at 250 656-3931.

“Residents are reminded that vehicle thefts and vandalism in Sidney/North Saanich have risen in recent months, and owners are urged not to leave valuables or keys in vehicles,” police said.