The RCMP is investigating an armed robbery that took place in the RM of Portage la Prairie Thursday night.

Media Liaison Const. Sean O'Keefe says Portage la Prairie RCMP were called to a residence on Highway 240, just west of Southport, at 7:25 p.m. last night. Police say an unidentified indigenous female asked to use the phone at the rural residence and when she was invited in, three more suspects —two males and one female — also entered the home.

Two elderly victims, an 85-year-old male and 80-year-old female, were shown a machete and demanded to produce keys to their vehicle. The suspects then stole the victims' red 1999 Ford F-150 pickup truck, last seen with a Manitoba license plate of BLT 136.

“We are asking for the assistance of the community in locating this vehicle. Under no circumstances should you approach the vehicle,” O'Keefe says. “Anyone inside could be armed and we would consider them to be dangerous. If you come across this vehicle, or know its whereabouts, please contact Portage la Prairie RCMP or your local police detachment, or dial 9-1-1 as soon as possible.”

O'Keefe says police are still investigating this robbery and looking for links to recent crimes that have taken place in the area recently. This is the second armed robbery in the Portage area involving a machete reported by police this month. On March 9, RCMP responded to an incident on Hazel Bay in Portage and two suspects still remain at large.

“At this time we're trying to look for any evidence that would connect it to any other crimes,” O'Keefe adds. “We want to look for a pattern that's taking place and (want) any other descriptions of the accused that we obtain from witnesses or sources that might be able to provide more information.”

If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.