The Ste. Anne Police arrested a teenager on Tuesday whom they believe to be involved in several petty thefts that took place earlier that morning.

“The members were out on patrol and noticed a suspicious-looking youth wearing a mask and decided to see what was going on,” explains Police Chief Marc Robichaud. “He fled from them, but the officer was able to chase this person down and capture him.” Robichaud adds that his team found several stolen items in the individual’s possession.

Further investigation revealed that roughly a dozen cars had been rummaged through that night with valuables stolen from many them.

“A number of vehicles were ransacked, and a number of items were taken,” states the police chief, “we were able to link these back to this individual.”

Though the Ste. Anne Police apprehended one suspect, Robichaud says two people were involved in this string of petty thefts. The other has yet evaded capture.

Meanwhile, Robichaud notes that this event prompts a safety reminder for all local residents.

“Don’t leave valuable items in your vehicles. It’s too easy for criminals to go through them and it can be difficult for the police to be everywhere at once.”

Robichaud says much of what was stolen has already been returned to the original owners. He asks anyone from his community whose vehicle was broken into between Monday night and Tuesday morning to report the matter to the Ste Anne Police.