Portage la Prairie RCMP are asking for the public's assistance in identifying a man in relation to an attempted theft from a local business early this morning.

Police received the report of a theft in progress at Road 41 West and Highway 1, just after 4:30 this morning. Police say the man was seen starting a garden tractor located in the parking lot of the business and attempted to load the machine onto a utility trailer.

Off-site security was able to communicate with the man over loud speakers and stop the theft before the tractor could be loaded. Police say the vehicle involved has a distinctive skull decal in the rear drivers side window. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Portage RCMP at 204-857-4445 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

Police say this man is wanted in connection with the alleged theft attempt.