Mission RCMP have recovered 22 stolen vehicles and several stolen firearms after searching two separate local properties.
On Jan. 9, members of the Mission Prolific Offender Suppression Team (POST) executed a warrant at a rental property near the 9,000 block of Clay Street in relation to some stolen firearms.
Once on the property, Police located 14 stolen vehicles in addition to recovering the stolen firearms.
Many of the vehicles were Ford trucks which were in varying states of dismantlement.
Two suspects were identified during the warrant execution. The investigation is continuing and no charges have yet been filed.
In another incident, on Jan. 14, Mission POST members again executed a warrant to search a rental property at the north end of Sylvester Road.
Police located eight stolen vehicles which included an excavator and two travel trailers.
The RCMP thanked the Fraser Valley Regional District, Ministry of Environment and Fraser Health for partnering in the execution of the warrants.
Four men were arrested in relation to the warrant. As the investigation in still ongoing, charges are pending.
“Police have seen a rising trend in property owners renting out their homes or portions of their properties without conducting proper and thorough background checks on the prospecting tenants,” said Const. James Mason of the Mission RCMP.
“By failing to complete the available checks or formal rental/lease agreement, owners put their property investments at the risk of those wanting to conduct criminal activity.”