Between May and August 2022, the Winnipeg Police Service's Property Crimes Unit entered into an investigation regarding numerous apartment break-ins, including Senior Housing complexes.
Investigators believed the same suspect was committing these crimes by breaking into the complexes, entering the parking garages, smashing vehicle windows, and stealing property. This crime spree involved more than $120,000 of property damage, approximately $12,000 in stolen property, and over 100 people victimized.
Below is a list of offence locations and stolen property:
May 26, 2022, a Senior's apartment in the first 100 block of El Tassi Drive
- five vehicle windows were smashed, and property stolen
June 4, 2022, adjoining Condominiums in the 200 block of Waterfront Drive
- twelve vehicle windows smashed, and property stolen
July 5, 2022, an apartment block in the 900 block of St. Anne's Road
- a vehicle window smashed, wallet and credit cards stolen
- credit cards were used to purchase items at a convenience store in the 1400 block of Pembina Highway
July 12, 2022, an apartment in the first 100 block of Waterford Green Common
- two vehicle windows were smashed, and property stolen
July 20, 2022, an apartment in the first 100 block of Windmill Way
- seven vehicle windows smashed, and property stolen
July 21, 2022, an apartment in the first 100 block of Des Hivernants Boulevard North
- nine vehicle windows were smashed, and property stolen
July 22, 2022, in the area of Inkster Boulevard and Keewatin Street
- a pizza delivery driver was robbed of his wallet and threatened with bear spray
July 22, 2022, a condominium complex in the 200 block of Murray Road
- fifteen vehicle windows were smashed, and nothing was stolen
July 24, 2022, property building in the 3400 block of Pembina Highway
- five vehicle windows were smashed, nothing was stolen
July 26, 2022, an apartment block in the 1700 block of Portage Avenue
- five vehicle windows were smashed, and nothing was stolen
July 27, 2022, an apartment in the 300 block of River Avenue
- three vehicle windows smashed, and property stolen
July 29, 2022, a residential complex in the first 100 block of Coopers Town Road
- eight vehicle windows were smashed, and property was stolen, including gift cards and personal cheques
August 5, 2022, a condominium in the 700 block of St. Anne's Road
- five vehicle windows were smashed, and nothing was stolen
August 9, 2022, an apartment in the 100 block of Lyra Gate
- three vehicle windows were smashed, and property was stolen
August 10, 2022, two apartments in the 1900 and 2000 blocks of Henderson Highway
- five vehicle windows were smashed, and property was stolen
With the assistance of CCTV, investigators identified a suspect.
On August 12, 2022, members of the Property Crimes Unit, with the assistance of Major Crimes, located and arrested the suspect at a residence in the 1200 block of Plessis Road.
Brent Vernon ARKSEY, 33, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, was charged with the following offences and detained in custody:
- Mischief Under $5,000 x 83
- Theft Under $5,000 x 23
- Break and Enter, Commit Theft x 10
- Break and Enter, Commit Mischief x 5
- Fraudulent Use of Credit Card
- Robbery
- Fail to Comply with Release Order x 2