Charges Laid in Collectible Thefts
We have arrested and charged two individuals after a series of thefts at several Calgary collectibles stores.
On Monday, July 14,2025, at 4:15 a.m., two people broke into Celly Sports Games, located in Unit 131, 5330 72 Ave. S.E., taking more than $5,000 worth of collectible cards and causing approximately $2,000 in damage in the process.
On Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, at 5 a.m., three people attempted to break into Olympic Sports and Games, located at 180 94 Ave. S.E., by sawing through a door – they did not gain entry but did cause significant damage.
On Monday, Aug.11, 2025, 2:36 a.m., three people used power tools to break into Eastridge Sports and Games, located at 7132 Fisher St. S.E., and stole trading cards with a value of more than $72,000.
On Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at 5:11 a.m., three people pried open the door to a warehouse in a strip mall at 1212 34 Ave. S.E., and once inside, broke into the adjoining First Player Card Shop, stealing more than $10,600 worth of trading card.
In all cases, the suspects used power tools and pry bars to break into the stores, causing significant damage. They also relied on stolen vehicles to get to and from each retailer, abandoning the vehicles after each incident.
Investigators spent several months canvassing the communities where the crimes occurred and viewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage to track down their suspects.
They were ultimately able to retrieve many of the stolen cards, as well as locate the stolen vehicles used in the crimes.
“The thieves in these cases did far more than simply steal some collectible cards,” said Constable Garret Dawson, with the Calgary Police Service. “They took valuable merchandise from small business owners while also stealing vehicles and destroying property. These were serious crimes and we were determined to catch the people responsible.”
Alston VAN WEZEL, 48, of Calgary, is charged with:
- One count of mischief to property under $5,000
- Three counts of disguise with intent,
- Two counts of breaking and entering
- Two counts of possession of stolen property
Brent NORRIS, 63, of Calgary is charged with:
- One count of mischief to property under $5,000
- One count of disguise with intent
Both NORRIS and VAN WEZEL are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, June 22, 2026.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
Case # CA25303066/25341426/25347374/25390853/5791