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Lethbridge man charged in connection with car prowling incidents

Aug 3, 2018 | 2:41 PM

LETHBRIDGE – A 44-year-old Lethbridge man has been charged in connection with vehicle thefts and car prowling incidents in the city.

In a media release from the Lethbridge Police Service, they say they identified a suspect following a short investigation on Aug. 1 and arrested the individual without incident at a south side residence.

Police went on to state that inside the home they found more than 80 stolen items including bank cards, ID, a passport, cell phones, purses, wallets, cash, keys, medications, electronics, collector coins, gift cards – and added that it appears the items were taken to feed a drug habit.

Trevor Vernon Melnychuk faces 22 counts of possession of stolen credit cards, six counts of possession of identity documents, theft under $5,000, and mischief under $5,000.

Noting that some of the car prowling incidents occurred at local running areas where people left their belongings in the vehicles, police continue to remind residents to never leave any valuables in an unattended vehicle. They pointed out that items hidden under a seat were still located and stolen in one incident. If you’re going to be away from your vehicle, they say the only way to ensure your items – keys, wallets, cellphones – won’t go missing is to bring them with you.

If you happen to notice suspicious activity around your vehicle or someone else’s – someone trying door handles and looking in vehicle windows – you’re asked to contact police at 403-328-4444.