Police routinely advise motorists to lock their doors to prevent auto theft.

But few people have ever considered that this recommendation might also be useful for officers on the beat.

Until now.

Last night, a police vehicle was stolen in Surrey following a traffic stop on 100th Avenue near King George Boulevard.

According to the RCMP, two occupants of a vehicle were pursued into an underground parkade before pulling over.

They were initially cooperative with the officer.

But then they suddenly bolted on foot, with the passenger hopping into the RCMP vehicle.

He crashed it through a secure gate and later abandoned it in the 9800 block of Whalley Road.

"A subject believed to be involved in this matter has been arrested a short distance from scene and is being held in custody on an outstanding arrest warrant," the RCMP stated in a news release. "The second suspect remains outstanding at this time."