In November of 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service received information from a number of concerned citizens that there had been an increase in the theft of residential package deliveries in the Transcona area.
The East District Community Support Unit, along with the assistance of Safer Neighbourhoods, Public Health, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Crime Analysts, the Property Crime Unit, and East District General Patrol entered into an investigation named Project Thrifties.
Through investigation, investigators identified a female suspect and a number of retail and residential properties that had been targeted in the Transcona area.
On August 16, 2024, at approximately 2:45 p.m., a female suspect attended to a private residence in the first 100 block of Whitehall Boulevard and stole a package (Estimated Value = $40) that had previously been delivered near the front porch. She then fled the area.
On October 23, 2024, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the suspect attended to a private residence in the 600 block of Kildare Avenue East and stole a package (Estimated Value = $10) that had previously been delivered near the front porch. She then fled the area.
At approximately 5:15 p.m., the suspect attended to a private residence in the 500 block of Bond Street and stole a package (Estimated Value = $70) that had previously been delivered near the front porch. She then fled the area.
On November 7, 2024, at approximately 4:15 p.m., the suspect attended to a private residence in the 1100 block of Day Street and stole a package (Estimated Value = $70) that had previously been delivered near the front porch. She then fled the area.
On November 21, 2024, the suspect attended to a private residence in the 100 block of Harvard Avenue and stole a package (Estimated Value = $200) that had previously been delivered near the front porch. She then fled the area.
On November 22, 2024, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the suspect attended to a private residence in the first 100 block of Regina Place and stole a package (Estimated Value = $40) that had previously been delivered near the front porch. She then fled the area.
On December 31, 2024, at approximately 4:15 p.m., the suspect attended to a private residence in the 100 block of Edward Avenue West, and stole a package (Estimated Value = $30) that had previously been delivered near the front porch.
As a result of this project, an additional two suspects were identified as being connected these incidents.
On December 1, 2024, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a male suspect attended to a private residence in the first 100 block of President’s Court and stole a package (Estimated Value = $50) that had previously been delivered near the front porch. He then fled the area.
On January 2, 2025, at approximately 4:15 p.m., a female suspect attended to a retail business in the 1100 block of Nairn Avenue and stole store merchandise package (Estimated Value = $200).
As a result, all three suspects were arrested by officers without incident at various points during the investigation. The suspects are previously known to one another through the drug subculture, and linked to retail theft, and porch parcel thefts.
The suspects and the victims are not previously known to one another. No injuries were reported as a result of the crime spree.
Melissa Marie NOLETTE, 35, of Winnipeg is charged with the following:
- Warrant – Theft Under $5,000 x 7
- Warrant – Theft Under $5,000, Fail to Comply with Condition of Release Order
- Warrant – Theft Under $5,000
- Warrant – Fail to Attend Court – Release Order
- Warrant – Fail to Attend Court
She was detained in custody.
Kevin Jay WORME, 47, of Winnipeg has been charged with Theft Under $5,000 and was also arrested on the strength of an unendorsed warrant.
He was detained in custody
A 35-year-old female from Winnipeg is facing a charge of Theft Under $5,000.
She was released on an Undertaking as mandated by the Criminal Code.
As a result of the investigation by officers, a problem residence identified by members of the community in the 300 block of Larche Crescent was shut down. The residence was frequented by several of the suspects and linked to the investigation.
This investigation could not have been possible without these reports being submitted which act as a starting point for the investigation. However, more victims of this crime are suspected to be still out there and are strongly encouraged to report their incident to police.
Members of the public make a report to police by filing an online police report, calling and reporting it by calling the non-emergency line, or in person.
In order to combat porch piracy, The Winnipeg Police Service would like to encourage the public to:
- Use an alternate delivery location;
- Request signature confirmation;
- Sign up for delivery alerts;
- Avoid visible deliveries;
- Look into safe pick-up option.