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Barrhead resident arrested in connection to vehicle theft in Whitecourt

Suspect found after lengthy search involving assistance from the Swan Hills, RCMP air services and a dog unit
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BARRHEAD - A Barrhead man faces two criminal charges in connection with a vehicle theft in Whitecourt. 

On Jan. 3, Whitecourt RCMP received a report that a vehicle had been taken from outside a commercial business on 58th Street. 

According to the RCMP media release, the vehicle's owner was able to provide police with GPS information, which helped them coordinate their patrols. 

Eventually, police found the vehicle abandoned off the Blue Ridge Haul Road (Range Road 103A) in some trees. 

Whitecourt RCMP, with additional resources from Swan Hills RCMP and assistance from RCMP air services and a police dog unit were able to locate the suspect after a lengthy search. 

Dustin Curtis, 32, of Barrhead, was charged with one count of possession of stolen property over $5,000 and two counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000. He was taken before a justice of the peace, released and was ordered to appear at Whitecourt Provincial Court Feb. 14. 

Whitecourt RCMP stated that they have seen an increase in stolen vehicles in recent weeks, adding that many of the thefts involved unsecured or unlocked vehicles. 

"While RCMP prioritize strategies to combat this issue we ask that area residents secure their property from would-be thieves who are taking advantage of an easy target," police said. 

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