Gutters Stolen in Daylight Heist Shock Garden City Residents

UPDATE: Garden City residents are reeling after a brazen daylight theft left multiple homes stripped of their downspouts. This shocking incident unfolded on July 25, 2023, when homeowners discovered a thief in a silver minivan dismantling their homes’ gutters in plain sight.

Security footage captured the audacious act, showing the suspect pulling up to a garage in a silver minivan, swiftly removing downspouts, and stuffing them into the vehicle. Homeowner Harrison Mariano was left stunned as he reviewed the footage, stating, “This is stupid. This is ridiculous.”

Mariano isn’t alone in his disbelief. Neighbor Rick Moreira experienced the same theft, expressing his shock: “I thought it was a prank or something… it’s mind-boggling why someone would want to take a downspout.” Reports indicate at least 10 homes along the lane were targeted, with varying levels of damage, from missing extensions to downspouts completely ripped from walls.

Residents suspect the thief is collecting aluminum for scrap, a notion supported by local scrap metal recyclers in Winnipeg. One recycler confirmed rates at approximately 72 cents per pound, meaning each stolen downspout—typically weighing less than two pounds—could net the thief just over a dollar.

Mariano noted that other back lanes nearby have also faced similar thefts, leading him to believe a single culprit may be responsible for the wave of burglaries. He has reported the theft to the Winnipeg Police, who confirmed an investigation is underway, albeit with limited details.

“This is just insane. They just don’t care,” Mariano lamented, hoping for swift action from law enforcement to halt the spree of downspout thefts and bring the culprit to justice.

As the investigation unfolds, Garden City residents remain on high alert, watching their homes closely for any suspicious activity. This bizarre crime has left many feeling vulnerable in their own neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for community vigilance.

Stay tuned for updates as authorities work to resolve this unusual case and restore peace of mind to the affected residents.