Two owners of Ford F350 trucks managed to help stop thieves from taking their vehicles in north Langley over the weekend.
Police were called around 4 a.m. on Sunday when a resident caught a man breaking into his Ford F350, which was parked in his driveway in a north Langley neighbourhood.
The truck owner was alerted by the vehicle alarm and caught the suspect as he exited the truck through the passenger side door. He was able to restrain the would-be-thief with the help of his son and a neighbour until police arrived.
The vehicle’s driver side door lock sustained damage that will require repair.
Police arrived a short time later and took the 36-year-old Langley male into custody. He was released later that morning to appear in Surrey Provincial Court in May.
On Saturday, another north Langley resident watched his Ford F350 being stolen from a Walnut Gate parking lot while shopping in a store. The owner saw it drive away, said police.
The following day, just prior to 2:30 p.m., he called police again to report his truck was parked at the Chevron in Walnut Grove. The vehicle is distinctive in that it has business decals on the side panels.
The truck was running, however its height made it difficult to see if anyone was inside.
Officers attending were able to box the vehicle in so it couldn’t flee if someone was inside, said Cpl. Holly Marks.
Additionally, police dog services attended to assist with the arrest. One of the officers approached the truck and could see a man who appeared to be sleeping in the driver’s seat.
The door was opened and a 26-year-old man was arrested. Charges will be recommended to Crown counsel for the man, who has no fixed address. He was held in custody overnight and appeared in court on Monday.