More than $1.2M in goods stolen in string of thefts, Winnipeg police say

Four men face chargesin connection witha string of break-ins and thefts that led to around $1.2 million in property being stolen, Winnipeg police said on Thursday.

Investigators initiated a large-scale investigation with help fromother agencies after multiple reports ofthefts across Winnipeg and the rural municipality of Headingleyin December, the Winnipeg Police Service said in a news release.

Police identified four men they believed to be involved in around 30 thefts.

Theytargeted properties including commercial compounds, shipping containers, trailersand delivery vehicles between October and December, police alleged.

The estimated value of the stolen property ismore than $1.2 million.

Officers have recovered around $582,000 in stolen items, including eight vehicles, collectibles, a snowmobile, appliances and a commercial truck box, police said. They'renow working to identify victims and return to the stolen goods to their owners.

Const. Dani McKinnon described the thefts as an organized effort and said there is the possibility there were more break-ins that have not been reported to police.

"There's always the possibility that there is non-recovered items. Some of them may have been sold, some of them still hidden, maybe moved," McKinnon said. "There's other victims likely that have not come forward and have not made official reports at this time."

The stolen property was stored at various residences linked to the suspects, police said, withsome itemslisted for sale online.

The four suspects knew each other and have been detained in custody, police said.Investigators also allege the suspects are linked to several stolen vehicles usedin other break-ins and thefts.

The men face more than 50 charges combined, including break, enter and theft, possession of property obtained by crime andbreaking and entering with intent.

If someone has experienced a home, vehicle, business or other form of break-in or theft, it should be reported to police, McKinnon said. Reporting these types of crime, even if it's a few items stolen, like high-end sporting gear or tools, helps police know which neighbourhoods they should be proactive in, she said.

When it comes tousing online marketplaces, it can be tricky, but some steps can be taken to avoid purchasing a stolen item, McKinnon said.

One of the things Winnipeg police recommendis meeting at the police buy-and-sell exchange zone. A well-lit and well-populated area, like a grocery store, or a place withgood surveillance video are also options.

Exchanges should also take place in daylight.

Most importantly,McKinnon said, trust your gut and use common sense.

"Use your spidey senses, as we like to say. If it doesn't feel right, don't do the deal," McKinnon said. "Even if it's a great deal, it's just really always best to just really trust your instincts. They're usually right."

Anyone with information that could help investigators is asked to call 204-986-6219 orCrime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477), or report online atwinnipegcrimestoppers.org.