Two charged with auto theft

Lethbridge Police have charged two men in connection with the theft of a vehicle, after an officer located a stolen truck with the alleged pair inside.

On Wednesday, an LPS officer was patrolling the northside and observed a Ford F-150, with two occupants, that was illegally parked on 21 St. N. The rear console window had been smashed and a piece of cardboard was in its place, police say.

Upon querying the license plate, it was determined the vehicle had been reported stolen on Jan. 26. Police say the men exited the vehicle and were subsequently arrested without incident.

Rodney Kesley Bottle, 36, of Cardston and Renee Star Oka, 24, of Lethbridge, are both charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000. Both were scheduled to appear in court Thursday.

During the past two days, police also recovered two other stolen vehicles. In one case, police say the vehicle was stolen when it was left unattended while it was running to warm up. In the other, police say the thief used a spare key that had been stored in the centre console. In both instances the vehicles were left unlocked. Police are once again reminding all motorists — particularly during the current cold snap — to never leave a running vehicle unlocked or unattended for any amount of time. Further, never store spare keys inside.