Two charged in relation to theft of 14 stolen vehicles

We have charged a man and a woman with a total of 64 criminal charges following a series of vehicle thefts that began in October.  

Last month, our Prolific Offender Engagement Team and Auto Theft Team began investigating a series of thefts that were believed to be connected and involved the theft of 14 vehicles, with a combined value of $1.2 million. Investigators believed that offenders were working together to target rental car companies, vehicle repair shops as well citizens who left their vehicles running and unattended. Five thefts occurred over a two-and-a-half-week period beginning on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, and included:

• A Ford Mustang from the Hertz located in the 10300 block of 25 Street N.E.
• A Lexus RX350 and Mercedes GLC from the Carstar located in the 0 to 100 block of Royal Vista Drive N.W.
• A Ford Explorer that had been left running and unattended outside of a residence located in the 100 block of Redstone Heights N.E.
• A Chevrolet Silverado that had been left running and unattended in a parking lot located in the 2100 block of 100 Avenue N.E.
• Nine additional vehicles from the Hertz, located in the 10300 block of 25 Street N.E.

Investigators worked to compare evidence from the scene and were able to identify two possible offenders. As a result, police located and arrested a man and a woman.

Brandon STEVENS, 29, of Calgary, has since been charged with 49 criminal charges, including break and enter, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and failure to comply with a court order.

Jessica HENNESSEY, 29, of Calgary, has since been charged with 15 criminal charges, including break and enter, possession of a controlled substance and failure to comply with a court order.

So far police have recovered 11 out of the 14 stolen vehicles related to this series.

“By dedicating resources to monitor our most prolific offenders, we can more quickly identify crimes they may have a connection to and take action to prevent further victimization,” says Acting Sergeant Dan de Villenfagne of the Calgary Police Service Auto Theft Team. “In this case, offenders were looking to capitalize on crimes of opportunity, and were able to steal a large number of unsecured vehicles from citizens and businesses in Calgary.”

Calgarians are reminded to ensure that their vehicles remain secure by following these tips:

-       Never leave spare keys or garage door openers in or around your vehicle.

-       Never leave a running vehicle unattended if the keys are inside the vehicle or if the vehicle has been started with a keyless ignition or push-button start.

-       Use a remote starter whenever possible and keep your vehicle locked.

-       If you are warming up your vehicle with the keys in the ignition or with a push-button start, stay with your vehicle.

-       Use a steering wheel lock to deter thieves.

-       Never leave children or pets in a running vehicle.

-       Do not leave valuables, including identity documents and bank cards, in a vehicle.

-       Report suspicious activity to police immediately by calling 403-266-1234 or 9-1-1 for crimes in progress.

Case #22448360/5195