Winnipeg Man Charged with 20 Thefts and Robberies Amid Spree

BREAKING: A 31-year-old man has been charged with a staggering 20 counts of theft and multiple robbery offenses in connection with a spree of incidents in Winnipeg from May to July 2023. Authorities announced that the suspect was arrested late on July 31 following a series of alarming thefts that saw him allegedly threaten employees with a knife.

The suspect, described by Winnipeg police as a “prolific shoplifter,” reportedly targeted several retail stores and convenience outlets, including a gas station on King Edward Street. There, staff, including Ushman Singh, became familiar with his tactics, having printed out his photo from surveillance footage after he allegedly stole items on at least 10 occasions.

“It’s scary for us,” Singh said. “If they arrested that guy, that’s helpful.” The urgency of the situation escalated when the suspect allegedly threatened a coworker with a knife during one of these thefts.

Police reports confirm the suspect faces two counts of robbery, 20 counts of theft under $5,000, and additional charges related to break-ins and probation violations. The police are continuing their investigation, reviewing any further reports linked to the gas station, as confirmed by Constable Stephen Spencer of the Winnipeg police public information office.

The thefts occurred over a wide range of dates, with incidents reported on May 9 and 10, June 6, 10, 14, and several days in July. Notably, on July 3, the suspect allegedly stole from both a hardware store on Empress Avenue and the Keewatin convenience store, where he threatened employees with a knife.

The suspect’s crime spree didn’t stop there; he is connected to multiple thefts at various locations. For example, he reportedly stole items from a retailer on Portage Avenue on multiple occasions, including May 26, June 11, and July 6. Other thefts were reported at stores on St. Mary’s Road and a grocery store on Grant Avenue.

Despite the severity of the charges, police confirmed that no injuries were reported during the incidents. The suspect remains in custody as of this report, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

This surge in retail thefts in Winnipeg has raised significant concerns among local businesses and law enforcement, particularly after a spike in shoplifting incidents was noted last year following increased funding for anti-retail-theft initiatives.

As the investigation continues, community members and local businesses are left on edge, hoping for swift justice and increased safety measures to prevent future occurrences. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.