Information contained in our media releases may relate to issues of violence or trauma, which could be distressing for some individuals. Be mindful of your well-being and consider whether or not engaging with this content is appropriate for you.
The Winnipeg Police Service previously released information regarding a series of break-ins in the South Pembina area between October 2023 and February 2024.
Apartment complexes were broken into, and a large quantity of mail containing financial securities and identity documents was stolen and later used to make fraudulent purchases. One individual was arrested and charged, and the Property Crime Unit continued investigating.
Citizen reporting and surveillance footage have helped identify another suspect in relation to these previous break-ins and additional offences.
Investigators determined that between October 2023 and January 2024, this suspect and the previously charged co-accused surreptitiously entered an apartment complex in the first hundred block of Dalhousie. Tenant mailboxes were broken into over a dozen times, causing personal loss to the victims and extensive property building.
On February 16, 2024, a vehicle parked at a restaurant in the 2500 block of Pembina Highway had its window smashed out, where a laptop and cash were stolen.
On April 9, 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service Property Crime Unit executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence in a Fort Richmond neighbourhood. The suspect and another individual were taken into custody, and the following items were seized:
- 2 laptops (one reported stolen as above in February 2024 and one previously reported stolen in March 2019)
- 100s of stolen identity documents and financial securities
- an air-powered rifle (contrary to weapons orders)
A 38-year-old female, Heather Alyson SMITH of Winnipeg, has been charged with 16 break-enter and theft-related offences and detained in custody.
A 40-year-old male, Cheyne KEEPER of Winnipeg, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a Weapon
- Possession of Firearm, Restricted/Prohibited Weapon or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order x 2
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 x 2
They were both detained in custody.
This investigation is continuing with the assistance of the Financial Crimes Unit.
The Winnipeg Police Service encourages the public to record serial numbers for personal items such as vehicles/trailers, leisure sports items, power tools and bicycles. Making a police report with such serial numbers can increase the chance that this property will be returned to the rightful owner if recovered.
How to report various property-related crimes will depend on several factors, including public safety, suspect information and the value of stolen or damaged goods/property.