Six people charged after large Sask. theft, stolen property investigation

An investigation launched in October by the Regina police property crimes unit has resulted in nearly 50 charges against six people in connection with multiple incidents of shoplifting, trailer thefts, and trafficking of stolen property, police say.

Officers found three trailers at an abandoned farmyard west of Regina containing items that had previously been reported stolen, police said in a news release on Wednesday.

On Nov. 7, a member of the public called RCMP to report finding a second enclosed trailer at another abandoned farm west of the city. RCMP notified Regina police, who went to the scene and found five snowmobiles in the trailer, all of which had been reported stolen from Moose Jaw in late October.

On Nov. 13, RCMP were once again called to the same area by a member of the public who saw a truck pulling a trailer with a skid-steer and a second vehicle, identified as a rented cube van, at an abandoned farmyard, police said.

Officers responded and recovered a stolen trailer and skid-steer, which had been reported missing earlier that day from the 2000 block of McDonald Street.

The investigation continued for several more weeks, and multiple search warrants were executed, including cell phone searches and "many other investigative tactics," the release said.

Six people are now facing nearly 50 charges.

In addition to vehicles, ATVs and trailers, evidence indicates the suspects were stealing, trafficking, and purchasing a variety of other stolen goods, including groceries, high-end electronics, appliances, clothing, and tools, police said.

The estimated total value of all stolen items exceeds $260,000, the release said.

A 33-year-old man from Emerald Park, Sask. is charged with 10 counts of theft under $5,000, two counts of theft over $5,000, two counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000; two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000; two counts of trafficking stolen property over $5,000, one count of wearing a disguise with intent, and failing to comply with conditions.

A 32-year-old man from Silton, Sask. is charged with 12 counts of theft under $5,000, one count of wearing a disguise with intent and two counts of failing to comply with conditions.

A 44-year-old woman from Regina is charged with two counts of trafficking stolen property over $5,000 and two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000.

A 47-year-old man from Buena Vista, Sask. is charged with trafficking stolen property over $5,000 and theft over $5,000.

A 62-year-old man from Regina is charged with: possession of stolen property over $5,000 and tampering with a serial number.

A 33-year-old man with no fixed address is charged with: three counts of theft under $5,000.

All have made their first appearances in court.