Male arrested on two outstanding warrants faces two new charges

Richmond: On February 6, Richmond RCMP Strike Force were conducting targeted enforcement for theft from autos in the Richmond core when they observed a male allegedly trying door handles on multiple parked cars. Richmond Strike Force acted quickly and took the male into custody.

The male was identified as Coleton Szalay. Szalay had a Canada wide warrant stemming from a robbery out of Vancouver as well as a warrant for Theft Under $5000 out of Richmond. In addition, two new charges have been laid against Szalay for possession of credit card data and possession of stolen property under $5000.

Szalay has been remanded and remains in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 10.

“We are actively out there targeting people who are attempting to commit crimes in Richmond” says Corporal Tibor Paldy of Richmond RCMP Strike Force Team 2, “They won’t see us coming but we are there ready to pounce”.

The mandate of Strike Force includes conducting proactive enforcement activities to address crime through project-based policing and proactive policing strategies.

While Richmond RCMP

Strike Force and other units are actively out there targeting individuals allegedly committing crimes, assistance from the public is also needed. Richmond RCMP wants to remind the public to not leave anything in their vehicles. Whether running in for a quick 5-minute stop or grabbing lunch, it just takes seconds for a car to be broken into. “We regularly see wallets, electronics, back packs and other valuables left in cars”, says Cpl. Paldy, “By always taking these items with you, we can eliminate the ability for these opportunistic criminals to operate in Richmond”.