SURREY RCMP recently arrested and charged a known offender in possession of an alleged stolen vehicle and a loaded firearm.

On May 28, investigators with the Surrey RCMP Auto Crime Target Team (ACTT) located a Ford F150 pick-up truck at a residence in the 14000-block of 106th Avenue which matched the description of a truck reported stolen out of Vancouver the previous day.

While surveillance was underway, a male suspect entered the truck and drove away.  After confirming the licence plate, officers were able to establish that it was stolen. ACTT with the assistance of Air 1 continued to observe the vehicle until it stopped and parked in the 12200-block of Industrial Road.

Police arrested the driver and located a loaded sawed-off shotgun and ammunition and seized the truck. The occupant, Benjamin James Gilleland, 33, of Surrey faces a variety of charges, including three firearm-related charges, two charges for possession of stolen property, and six charges of breaching probation or recognizance orders.

Gilleland remains in custody and the investigation is ongoing.

“The Auto Crime Target Team conducts targeted enforcement in strategic areas based on statistical analysis and crime trends,” says Acting Pro-Active Enforcement Officer, Staff-Sgt. Glenn Atkins, “Stolen vehicles are often used in further crimes. Through investigating stolen vehicles we are able to stem other offences from occurring in the city and in this case we have seized a prohibited firearm.  The safe arrest of this subject and vehicle seizure is an example of how our specialized units work together to leverage their resources to best effect. “

Anyone with information related to this investigation, or any other suspicious activity in their neighbourhood is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or, if they wish to make an anonymous report, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.