Van stolen from repair shop before deadly crash

The van involved in a crash thatkilled a mother of three over the weekend had been stolen from a Winnipeg repair shop where the keys had been left inside the vehicle, police confirmed Tuesday morning.

Rachelle Leost, 38, died Saturday after her vehicle was struck by a stolen van that ran a stop sign in the city's North End.

The stolen van had been taken from a repair shop in the neighbourhood, police said Tuesday.

Jeanie Dalman, spokeswoman for CAA Manitoba, which certifies repair shops, said the organization offered recommendations for shop security.

Garages should use drop boxes for keys, and they should keep their parking lots well lit to deter thieves, she said.

"We also recommend that they do have security systems with security cameras, so that if something does happen, then they have documentation," Dalman told CBC on Tuesday.

"Obviously, that is an expense and many repair facilities aren't able to cover those expenses. Certainly we also recommend some repair facilities actually have areas where cars go in, and it's protected with a gated fence."

Investigators said Monday they were trying to determine if the stolen vehicle had an electronic ignition immobilizer installed, which might have prevented its theft.

But an immobilizer wouldn't have helped if a car is left with its keys, Dalman noted.

"If the keys with the key fob are in a vehicle and the vehicle does have an immobilizer installed, you're defeating the purpose of the immobilizer," she said.

"You're giving the way to start the vehicle right then and there."

Two men have been arrested in connection with the fatal crash. Theyface numerous charges, including impaired driving causing death and theft over $5,000.