After 4 carjacking incidents in 5 days, Burnaby RCMP is asking the general public to be cautious.
According to a launch, three of the 4 incidents focused drivers who had been utilizing an “unregulated Chinese ridesharing app.”
“We are asking all drivers to be cautious, including rideshare drivers from all services,” stated Cpl. Mike Kalanj with Burnaby RCMP.
“It’s concerning that weapons were brandished in each of these cases and that the suspects claimed to be police to two of the victims. We want everyone who drives in Burnaby to be aware of these incidents.”
Police say that the primary carjacking incident was on Sunday, February 13 on Spruce Street between Canada Way and Royal Oak Avenue.
Two suspects — described as youngsters however claiming to be law enforcement officials — brandished a knife at a rideshare driver who was known as to the world for a pickup. They later discovered the automotive in Highgate.
Then on Tuesday, February 15, round 3 pm, the second incident occurred.
“A suspect brandished a gun and attempted to steal a vehicle with a driver still inside in a garage near Burford Street and Imperial Avenue,” stated Burnaby RCMP. The sufferer was not a rideshare driver and the suspect — who was unsuccessful — fled the world.
Burnaby RCMP is urging warning after 4 recent carjacking incidents.
In three of the instances, rideshare drivers had been focused. In all 4 incidents, a weapon was brandished.
News launch: https://t.co/cr3BGpisis pic.twitter.com/OKGYeCedJa
— Burnaby RCMP (@BurnabyRCMP) February 18, 2022
Another rideshare car driver stopping to select up a buyer was focused on Tuesday, February 15, round 11:30 pm.
“A knife was brandished at the driver and the suspect claimed to be a police officer before stealing the 2015 black Audi S4,” stated police. That automotive remains to be not accounted for.
Then, essentially the most recent incident was on Thursday, February 17 round 11 pm on Elwell Street.
“A Mercedes was stolen from a rideshare driver on his way to pick up a customer, with the suspect brandishing a knife,” stated police.
The stolen Mercedes was later concerned in a “hit-and-run crash that damaged a parked vehicle,” stated RCMP, which additionally stated witnesses reported the suspect fleeing right into a ready SUV with different passengers inside.
Burnaby RCMP describes the suspects in the primary incident as two Black male youngsters round 16 years outdated.
For the opposite three incidents, police say the suspect was described as a slim-build Black male between 20 and 30 years outdated.
Burnaby RCMP investigators say they assume the 4 incidents are linked, however they don’t know the motive but. Now, as investigators acquire proof, they’re urging victims to return ahead and anybody with info to succeed in out to them at 604-646-9999 and quote file quantity 22-5696.