Surrey RCMP seize $33,000 in allegedly stolen CERB cheques

Apr 29 2020, 7:50 pm

Two individuals were arrested and $33,000 in allegedly stolen Canada Emergency Response Benefit cheques was recovered by Surrey RCMP Officers with the COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team (CCET), recently.

According to Surrey RCMP, the seizure came after CCET members were on patrol and one of them “made note of three suspicious vehicles associated to a residence in Cloverdale.” The vehicles were allegedly displaying fake license plates and fake temporary operating permits.

Then, on April 25, just after 9 pm, CCET members report attempting to stop one of the vehicles as it pulled into the driveway of the residence, however, the vehicle drove into the backyard in an attempt to evade police.

Police said the driver of the vehicle fled on foot while a female passenger was arrested without incident upon exiting the vehicle. The driver, a man in his 30’s, was later arrested and taken into custody, after a brief foot pursuit.

According to police, further investigation of the vehicle led to the seizure of a large quantity of stolen property from several Lower Mainland jurisdictions, including $33,000 worth of stolen Canada Emergency Response Benefit cheques, and numerous pieces of fraudulent identification.

The arrested male suspect has been remanded to custody, and the female suspect has been released with an appearance notice for a later date. Charges have not been laid, however, police said the investigation is ongoing with police now processing the large quantity of seized exhibits.

“This team was created by the Surrey RCMP in collaboration with the City of Surrey to address all aspects of public safety as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Surrey RCMP Insp. Wendy Mehat. “Not only are we looking out for safety aspects like social distancing, but keeping our eyes out for criminals who would seek to take advantage of opportunities presented by the pandemic.”

According to Surrey RCMP, the COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team has conducted more than 12,000 proactive checks of businesses, faith-based locations, event locations, recovery homes, parks and beaches in Surrey, since its launch at the end of March.

Eric ZimmerEric Zimmer

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