Auto crime no game for B.C. Mounties who announce arrests in Project Hot Wheels

SURREY, B.C. – RCMP in Surrey, B.C., haven’t been toying around with auto crime during its Project Hot Wheels.

The force says officers arrested 33 people, 15 of whom were found to be breaching court or bail orders, and recovered more than 75 stolen vehicles during the project.

The month-long campaign saw the Crown lay 117 Criminal Code charges, some of which involved drugs, weapons, mail and identity theft.

Police say 14 charges were laid under the Motor Vehicle Act, and seven charges were against young offenders.

The RCMP says the helicopter known as Air 1 and the integrated municipal auto crimes team assisted local Mounties.

Staff Sgt. Darren Schneider says the project targeted chronic offenders, high-crime areas but also focused on prevention through education.