Photo: Kate Bouey

RCMP Const. Kelly Brett said on Dec. 7 shortly before 3:30 p.m., Vernon RCMP responded to a report of theft that had just occurred at the Co-op Gas station.

An alleged lotto thief is out of luck after being nabbed by police

Dean Amendt, 37, is facing charges relating to the theft of hundreds of lottery tickets.

RCMP Const. Kelly Brett said on Dec. 7 shortly before 3:30 p.m., Vernon RCMP responded to a report of theft that had just occurred at the Co-op Gas station located at 3530-27th St.

“Police officers quickly responded to the area and learned that a lone male entered the store and allegedly stole approximately $500 in lottery tickets. The male fled on foot and was seen getting into a blue-coloured Ford Focus by neighbouring business employees,” said Brett.
The investigating officer viewed video surveillance at the Co-op gas station and was able to identify the suspect male from previous lottery thefts that have occurred throughout the Vernon area.

The same suspect male was previously arrested and charged on six counts of theft for theft of lottery tickets from July, 2017.
Brett said on Dec. 8, the police located the blue Ford Focus involved in the previous incident and initiated a traffic stop.

“The male driver was identified as the lottery theft suspect and subsequently arrested,” she said.
Amendt was charged with one count of theft under $5,000 and failing to comply with a recognizance. Amendt's next court appearance date is Dec.14. 

“RCMP continue to encourage the public to report suspicious persons or activities in their neighbourhood to police,” said Brett. “It was the observant nature of the surrounding businesses that lead to the details involving the direction of travel and mode of transportation by the suspect. Thus resulting in the vehicle being located and arrests being made.”