Skip to content

Youth in the Hazeltons arrested after crime spree

The Hazeltons and surrounding areas were subject to a crime spree involving two youth in three communities last week.
37408smithersBarriers
During a crime spree on Thursday night two youth stole several cars from the Hazeltons

The Hazeltons and surrounding areas were subject to a crime spree involving two youth in three communities last week.

The New Hazelton RCMP said that two local youths, a 17-year-old male and a 16-year-old-male have been arrested after committing multiple property related offences.  The offences, which spanned a 24 hour period, occurred in New Hazelton, South Hazelton, and Gitsegukla.

Corporal Graham French stated in a press release that around 5:30 a.m. on June 16, 2011, the New Hazelton RCMP received a complaint of a single vehicle roll over accident near the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway 62.  The occupants of the vehicle had fled the scene prior to police attendance.

While investigating the accident, police received a report of another vehicle which was burning in a wooded area near Gitsegukla. Police investigation revealed that both vehicles had been stolen overnight.  Also stolen the same night was an ATV and a third vehicle, both of which have been recovered.

Still on a rampage the following night, the two youth stole yet another vehicle.  This vehicle was abandoned a short time later in South Hazelton in an attempt to evade police, Cpl. French stated.  The two male suspects were arrested a short time later as they attempted to steal yet another vehicle.

During their crime spree the two youths broke into several other vehicles searching for items to steal, as well as keys that may have been left in the vehicles.

One of the vehicles that was stolen on the first night was Braunwyn Henwood’s which was specially adapted for her handicap. Seeing as that was her only car she could drive she said she now has to not only buy another vehicle but has to have it adapted which means for now, she is dependent on being driven around which is understandably frustrating.

Both young offenders are facing multiple charges including theft over $5000, possession of stolen property, prowling at night, and breach of an undertaking.

The New Hazelton RCMP would like to remind the general public that there are steps that can be taken to protect themselves from these types of crimes.  When leaving your vehicles unattended, ensure the doors are locked, all valuables removed from the vehicles, and never leave the keys in the vehicle.