A man well-known for stealing vehicles is being sought by Mounties — and has ties to the Tri-Cities.
Clayton Nielsen is described as a "prolific" car thief by Ridge Meadows RCMP, who are now turning to the public for help as efforts to find him have come up short.
Police explain Nielsen recently failed to return to a recovery house in Surrey.
It's one of numerous release conditions issued to him after he was arrested and charged for operating a stolen vehicle on Dec. 12, 2021.
Nielsen has ties to Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam, according to RCMP.
However, a release states he could be "anywhere" in Metro Vancouver, the Lower Mainland or Fraser Valley as he also has connections in Maple Ridge, Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Mission and Chilliwack.
Nielsen is not considered dangerous, but Mounties urge the public to not engage with him if found and to call 911 immediately.
Anyone with more information on Nielsen or his whereabouts is encouraged to call their local detachment, Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251, anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go online to www.solvecrime.ca.
