Police seized more than a dozen vehicles after patrolling officers spotted a stolen pickup truck in a compound in the West Alexander area earlier this month.
Officers spotted the 2006 Ford F350 in the enclosed compound on the 200 block of Tecumseh Street on Sept. 7. Police obtained a search warrant and seized stolen trucks, motorcycles and off-road vehicles, along with other items.
“Further investigation revealed that the compound was being rented by a male suspect and that the owner of the compound was unaware of the criminal activity occurring within it,” the Winnipeg Police Service said in a news release Wednesday.
A suspect was arrested with the help of Stonewall RCMP on Sunday. Investigators believe he did not act alone, and further arrests are expected.
The estimated value of the recovered stolen property is about $300,000, the WPS said. All the items have been returned to their owners, police said.
Vincent John Jose Oliveira, 38, of Winnipeg has been charged with 16 counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, eight counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and two counts each of possession of credit card and possession of an identity document. He was detained in custody.
The vehicles seized included:
- A 2017 GMC Sierra stolen from Beausejour on June 4
- The 2006 Ford F350 stolen from Winnipeg on June 17
- A 2005 tow truck stolen from Winnipeg on July 21
- A 2008 Ford F150 stolen from Fisher Branch on Aug. 20
- A 1997 Jeep TJ stolen from Winnipeg on Aug. 23
- A 2002 Chevy Silverado 2500 stolen from Winnipeg between Aug. 23 and Aug. 25
- A 2007 GMC Sierra SLE stolen from the Rural Municipality of MacDonald on Sept. 2
- A 2007 Ford F550 tow truck stolen from MacDonald on Sept. 3
- A 2024 Kawasaki 500 motorcycle stolen from Winnipeg on July 14 or July 15
- A 1982 Harley Davidson motorcycle stolen from Winnipeg on Aug. 3
- A 2014 Yamaha V Star motorcycle stolen from Winnipeg on Aug. 29
- A 2013 Polaris Razor utility task vehicle stolen from Peguis on June 24
- A 2012 Yamaha Grizzly all-terrain vehicle stolen from Fisher Branch on Aug. 19
Police also seized a 2018 Keystone Hideout camper stolen from Rosser on June 27, two magnetic Bison Towing decals stolen from Winnipeg on Sept. 5 and various licence plates and personal identification documents, among other items.
Police reminded owners to register and record serial numbers of vehicles and trailers.
“The documentation facilitates investigations to identify victims and substantiate property theft charges,” the release said.
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca