Ridge Meadows RCMP made two arrests Tuesday involving stolen vehicles.
A man was observed driving a stolen car in downtown Maple Ridge around 3 p.m.
The car stopped in an alleyway just off the 22500-block of Brown Avenue, allowing police to make the arrest.
In addition to the car, which was reportedly stolen on Nov. 28 in Coquitlam, police located a knife and a small quantity of a controlled substance.
“This successful arrest was done with the utmost care and consideration for police and public safety, especially considering it occurred in a densely populated and travelled area," Cpl. Brenda Winpenny said.
Darren Paul Deadder, 36, appeared in Port Coquitlam Provincial Court and has been remanded in custody.
As well, that evening police located another stolen car parked on 123 Avenue in Maple Ridge. It was unoccupied initially, then driven through Port Coquitlam to Coquitlam, where police arrested a 31-year-old man.
They have recommended charges of possession of stolen property against him.
The car had been stolen on Nov. 29 from a driveway in Pitt Meadows. The owner had left it running to warm up. "This practice is an opportunity for thieves to steal your vehicle, and usually gives the thief access to keys that may open up your home or office," Winpenny said.
Police remind citizens not to leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.