Pair arrested in hospital car theft

Oct 12, 2017 | 11:59 AM

KAMLOOPS — Two people are in police custody and facing numerous charges following an alleged vehicle theft in Kamloops.

Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Jodi Shelki says the incident occurred Oct. 7 when a person was visiting a patient at Royal Inland Hospital.

“While at the hospital, the car keys from the visitor were stolen by a male and female suspect,” she says. “The two suspects then stole the victim’s vehicle from the parkade. Hospital security was able to provide information on a suspect vehicle from the surveillance cameras in the hospital.”

Through an investigation, Shelkie says the suspect vehicle led police to an address where a 31-year-old woman was arrested. Later that same day, she says police recovered the stolen vehicle and a 47-year-old male was also jailed.

Police also recovered stolen identification, credit cards, a loaded handgun as well as items from previous break and enters in the Kamloops area.

Both suspects are facing a number of charges including theft and theft of a motor vehicle.

Shelkie admits the theft was unusual.

“Yes. I think in general it is less likely there (the hospital) because there is security, there are surveillance cameras. In general, there’s a lot of people there. It’s an unusual circumstance.” Ironically she admitted it was those very security measures that helped police crack the case.

Shelkie also shared the following advice.

“Thieves will take advantage of any situation they can so always protect your keys, your wallet, your credit cards and keep them close to yourself.”