“CRIME STOPPERS WANTED” for: December 23rd, 2022 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE” Laura Renee CHARTRAND (47 years) FOR Failing to Attend Court.  While on charge for several offences including Fraud, Uttering a Forged Document, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Theft, and Failing to Attend Court, the accused once again failed to attend court.  On December 15th, 2022, a warrant of arrest was issued for Laura CHARTRAND by the courts as her current whereabouts is unknown. ****************************************************************** CRIME OF THE WEEK for December 23rd, 2022 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Theft Under $5000.  On November 17th, 2022, at approximately 5:40pm, a male suspect entered a business in the 900’ block of Victoria Ave.  Once inside, the suspect stole a quantity of meat and fled the store prior to police arrival.  The suspect was captured on video surveillance and is described as follows:  male, average build, wearing a black jacket, black hoodie, and grey pants. Photos of the suspect are attached to this release. If you have information about this or any other crime you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637).  Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display.  Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous.  Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime.

On December 17th, 2022 police received a report from a business that a male had stolen a donation box.  On December 19th, the same individual returned to the business and was arrested by police for the previously reported theft.  A 33 year old male has been released on conditions for a court date of January 23rd, 2023.

News Release The Competition Bureau announced today that the Public Prosecution Service of Canada filed a preferred indictment against five contractors in Brandon, Manitoba, for alleged conspiracy to divide up contracts, among themselves, for refurbishment services for social housing units.   The charges stem from a Bureau investigation that found evidence that the accused individuals manipulated at least 89 contracts awarded by the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation between approximately December 2011 and February 2016. These contracts are valued at approximately $4.5 million.   The following individuals have each been charged under the Criminal Code with conspiracy to commit fraud over $5,000, and under the Competition Act for conspiracy to allocate contracts:   Geoff Gregoire Guy Pringle James Kauk Ryan Lamont Doug Gunnarson The Bureau acknowledges the extensive assistance it received from the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation, and the Brandon Police Service during the course of its investigation.   Quotes “Manipulating contracts to suppress competition is a serious crime. It results in higher costs for construction projects and is especially concerning when it comes to affordable housing. Cracking down on cartels is a top priority for the Competition Bureau, and we are determined to pursue all those who collude to increase their profits by defrauding public funds.”   Matthew Boswell Commissioner of Competition

On December 16, 2022, at 6:56 pm, police were dispatched to an incident that had occurred at a business located in the 100 block of Victoria Avenue East.  Police learned that two females, who were in the process of stealing merchandise, had assaulted a staff member.  One of the females, aged 24 years, assaulted a staff member while fleeing the business.  The two females were located and arrested in the 100 block of 1st Street.  The 24 year old female has been charged with Robbery and the second female, 27 years of age, has been charged with Theft Under $5000.00.  The females were detained at the Brandon Police Service and later released with future court dates.

The City of Brandon is excited to announce that a free, safe bus ride to and from your New Year’s Eve party awaits you, thanks to the efforts of Brandon Transit and its generous community sponsors! From 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 31st (New Year’s Eve) to 3 a.m. on Sunday, January 1st (New Year’s Day), Brandon Transit will run its buses on a regular modified (hourly) service. During those hours, it will be free to ride Brandon Transit and Brandon Access Transit. “Brandon Transit is excited to be able to offer this free service once again to those in our community whose festivities take them out and about on New Year’s Eve,” said Courtney Arndt, Manager of Transit with the City of Brandon. “We are pleased to partner with local businesses to provide this service to the residents of Brandon.” As many celebrations are on the go, Brandon Transit makes it easy to plan your ride right from your mobile device with the Google Transit Web Service! To plan your NYE travel route or for more information on Brandon Transit’s routes and schedules, visit brandontransit.ca. Once again supporting Brandon Transit’s efforts as the New Year’s Eve Transit program sponsor is Manitoba Public Insurance. Manitoba Public Insurance is committed to reducing alcohol-related collisions, deaths, and injuries, and providing the New Year's Eve transit service in Brandon makes perfect sense. Brandon Transit also thanks its local media partners Bounce Radio, Pure Country 101, and the Brandon Sun for their assistance in promoting this important public service to the community.