Man charged in stolen property investigation
On Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, police executed search warrants as part of a stolen property investigation. It is possible that what they found is a window into an organized retail crime operation.
One man has been charged in relation to a District 6 investigation resulting in one of the largest seizures of stolen property in Calgary.
Following a lengthy investigation, by the District 6 Operations Team, District 6 Break and Enter Detail, and District 6 patrol officers, upwards of $1.5 million worth of stolen property has been recovered in a number of storage facilities and a residence in southeast Calgary.
The property includes sporting goods, apparel, beauty products, optical supplies, home and industrial appliances, artwork, a used vehicle, new and used tires, snow blowers and a log splitter.
A considerable amount of the property was brand new in packaging from various retail businesses around Calgary, rather than through residential break and enters. It is believed that half of the property was stolen over the span of roughly 18 months, with the remainder acquired through organized retail crime offenses.
Efforts are underway to return the recovered items to the property owners.
Eight search warrants were executed on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016:
- A residence, detached garage and vehicle in the 0 to 100 block of Prestwick Manor S.E.
- A storage facility in the 4000 block of 116 Ave. S.E.
- A storage facility in the 11000 block of 40 St. S.E.
- A storage facility in the 4000 block of Barlow Tr. S.E.
As a result of this investigation, Cody William SCOTT, 28, of Calgary, has been charged with several counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000.
SCOTT will next appear in court on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016.
Organized retail crime
Organized retail crime is a growing concern in Calgary. It is the theft of consumer goods for the purpose of illegally selling the merchandise for cash. The goods are usually taken through planned, systematic shoplifting and then are sold to the public through classified ads, online sales, flea markets or on the black market.
While it may seem relatively harmless, police have found that there is a connection between minor crimes and more serious threats to public safety.
People attempting to steal from stores can become violent and money raised through organized retail crime is often used to fund other, more serious criminal activities like purchasing drugs or weapons.
Calgarians can help prevent organized retail crime by refusing to purchase stolen item. Tips on how to recognize stolen goods can be found on the Calgary Police Service website.