PORT ANGELES — A Port Angeles woman has been booked into the Clallam County jail in connection with the theft of a van from a Port Angeles auto dealership.
Alicia Lin Beck, 21, of Port Angeles was taken into custody Thursday morning on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and malicious mischief, Deputy Chief Brian Smith said Thursday.
Her bond was set at $2,500.
In addition to Beck, police are investigating several others, Smith said.
“They know who they are,” he said.
A black 2010 Scion van was reported Monday to have been stolen from Ruddell Auto Mall at 110 Golf Course Road.
Stripped down
Clallam County sheriff’s deputies later found the stolen vehicle missing some engine parts, the wheels, most of the interior parts and the seats, Smith said.
Police determined from a security video that the window of the van was broken, and the lockbox, which contained the key to the van, was taken at 7:35 p.m. Sunday.
The thieves apparently retrieved the key from the lockbox at another location and, at about 9:30 p.m., returned to the dealership and drove away with the van.
Updated security
“We have modified and updated our security procedures here, and we’re confident that we will not have a repeat,” said Howie Ruddell, owner of Ruddell Auto Mall.
He said he was aware that other auto dealers have upgraded their security, too.
The Port Angeles Police Department is working with the Lower Elwha Tribal Police Department and the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the theft.
Recordings from security cameras at the auto dealership and nearby businesses are being reviewed by police.
Information about the theft can be reported to the Port Angeles Police Department at 360-452-4545 or North Olympic Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information leading to a felony arrest. Callers may remain anonymous.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
