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Craigslist ad helps locate stolen property

Tires returned to Hope dealership after officer finds them online

The Mounties found their man, online, thanks to a Craigslist ad.

On April 9, at 11:30 a.m., the Hope RCMP investigated the theft of four tires and wheels which were stolen off of two brand new vehicles from the lot of Gardner Chevrolet Oldsmobile Pontiac Buick GMC LTD in Hope.

The tires and wheels were stolen overnight and they were estimated to be worth over $4,000.

Then, over last weekend, an officer noted an ad on Craigslist with the same type of tires and wheels for sale in Hope. On Tuesday, officers orchestrated a meet with the seller of the tires and determined that they were indeed the stolen tires from Gardner. The 20 year old local man was arrested and he later admitted to stealing them.

"Craigslist can be a great place for the public to acquire items that they need, however, it is also an easy way for the criminal minded to flog stolen items," said Corporal Jeff Bowerman.  "Police are quite aware of this method and we are actively monitoring sites such as Craigslist to locate stolen items."

The wheels and tires were returned to Gardner and the man will be referred to the Restorative Justice Program, which is an extension of the criminal justice system.