A Regina man is facing more than 20 charges after Regina Police found him responsible for stealing ten vehicles from ten locations in Regina and surrounding communities.
Over ten days, in each of the ten thefts, the vehicles stolen had unlocked doors, and the keys were inside the vehicles.
The 21-year-old stole vehicles from Green Crescent, Wilcox, Milestone, Avonlea, Emerald Park, Aylesbury, Windfield Road, and White City.
Police were finally able to catch the 21-year-old after they received a report of a vehicle stolen from a residence in Wilcox. The RPS located the vehicle driving in Regina, and a tire deflation device (spike belt) was successfully deployed. The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot but was located by members of the Canine Unit and taken into police custody without incident.
21-year-old Ralph Keshane faces nine counts of theft of a motor vehicle, four counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and 11 other charges related to the vehicle theft spree.
Inspector Cory Lindskog of the Regina Police Service Investigative Services Division reminded residents to lock their vehicles.
“Theft of auto is almost always a crime of opportunity. This investigation is an important reminder for the public to always lock vehicle doors and take the keys out of the vehicle,” he said.” Our Stolen Auto Unit works diligently and successfully to track and recover vehicles once they have been stolen, but we all have a role to play in preventing auto theft from the start.”
Keshane made his first court appearance on some of the charges on August 14 and later made a second on additional charges on August 28.
In continued collaboration with the RCMP White Butte Detachment, the investigation is ongoing, and further charges are pending, according to the RCMP.