Suspect posed as employee in thefts at multiple businesses, police say

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release

Police have been investigating a theft, which occurred on August 3, 2019, from a business in the 100 block of McTavish Ave E. The male suspect obtained an employee maintenance uniform from the business to navigate his way through the building without suspicion. He was able to enter the staff area of a cafeteria, while wearing the uniform, then take food out of the building on a cart without being noticed. The exact value of the stolen food is unknown, but it is believed to have consisted of sandwiches, ice cream, and beverages.

A second similar report was made to police on Wednesday October 16, 2019. In this incident, the same suspect entered a business in the 900 block of Victoria Ave. on Tuesday October 15, 2019 at approximately 8:40 pm. He was wearing an employee jacket, possibly stolen from business the day before. The suspect then entered a storage area while carrying a suitcase. While in the storage area, he is believed to have stolen 57 cartons of cigarettes, valued at approximately $11,000. He exited the business with the suitcase and left in a taxi. Employees became aware of the theft when they discovered the storage area that housed the cigarettes has been damaged and forced open.

Police obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s residence. At 11:30 pm on October 16, 2019, the 47-year-old male suspect was located there and arrested for both incidents. He was lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre and will be appearing in court today on charges of Break and Enter and Theft over $5000, Theft Under $5000, and Breach OIC Undertaking. Only four cartons of cigarettes were recovered, as well as the employee jacket from the second incident.