Thou shalt not steal on “Highway to Heaven”!

Gurdwara Nanak Niwas RICHMOND RCMP arrested two men on Saturday after launching an operation to crack down on auto theft at a local Sikh gurdwara on the city’s famous “Highway to Heaven.”

The crackdown was mounted in response to complaints received from officials at the India Cultural Center located at 8600 No 5 Road. Police were advised that thieves were repeatedly breaking into vehicles parked at this location during celebratory events.

Chain Batth, President, and Balbir Jawanda, General Secretary, said: “The India Cultural Center of Canada’s Gurdwara Nanak Niwas is very thankful to the Richmond RCMP for its ongoing support and assistance and would like to commend the RCMP officers for apprehending these individuals.”

Sgt. Cam Kowalski, Client Services NCO for the Richmond RCMP, said: “We work very closely with the ethnic communities in the city of Richmond, and find these types of crimes particularly offensive. People should have the ability to worship or celebrate in the sanctity of their own temple, synagogue or church. Richmond is not a crime destination.”

The two men arrested were released on a promise to appear with conditions and are set to appear in Richmond Court on June 10.

The Richmond RCMP want to remind the public that thieves look for the easiest target. Some ways to protect yourself against theft from auto include:

* Not leaving any property in your vehicle, including cash, purses or wallets;
* Not leaving any personal identification in your vehicle