Spare keys used in auto theft

Ponoka RCMP responded to a complaint of a 2009 Dodge Avenger parked in someone’s driveway Feb. 5 at 6 a.m. It blocked the homeowner from leaving with their own car. Police found damage to the front and rear bumper, and side view mirror, and property from the glove box of the car strewn along a side street.

It was determined the Avenger was stolen from the 5100 block of 56 Avenue and the owner was notified shortly after. The ignition did not have the normal markings or punches RCMP would expect to see from a car theft and police were told there were spare keys in the vehicle.

Police say there have been several cases of stolen cars with the spare keys left in the vehicle and they advise owners to keep them in a safe place away from their vehicles.

Lean-to break-in

Sometime in the early hours of Jan. 30 a lean-to was broken into on Range Road 245 and near Township Road 430, and three items were reported missing: a small child sized motorcycle with yellow and blue flames, a chainsaw and a jerry can.

Liquor store doors smashed

Three men, one with a white hoodie, were seen near the 7-11 at 11 p.m. on Jan. 30, attempting to kick in the front doors of a liquor store. When the glass doors were smashed the alarm went off and the men fled. Ponoka RCMP believes the man in the white hoodie is also involved in the theft of a stolen car in Wetaskiwin.

Theft from car

Between Jan. 25 and Feb. 1 the contents of a car, including an MP3 player were stolen from the 3700 block of 45 Street.

Gas and dash

Police are looking for information on a green truck that has been known to ‘gas and dash’ at various gas stations in town. The suspect is using stolen plates on the truck, most recently on Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.

Phone Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472 or anonymous calls can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.