In early 2025, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Property Crime Unit commenced an investigation regarding a prolific offender believed to be responsible for numerous property-related thefts from retail establishments throughout the city.
Throughout their investigation, investigators learned that the suspect attended retail business, engaged staff members and distracted them in order to steal lottery tickets, transit passes and tickets. On several incidents, the suspect attended to restricted employee areas unsuspected, where he proceeded to steal personal property such as wallets and cellular phones. During incidents, he may pose as a customer or a casual visitor in order to blend in and to facilitate thefts of property before fleeing establishments undetected.
Synopsis of Incidents:
- March 19: The suspect attended a mobile cellular shop in the 1400 block of Portage Avenue posing as a customer and stole two phones valued at approximately $3,200.
- March 26: The suspect attended a retail store in the 1200 block of St.Mary’s Road, entered a staff room and stole a laptop valued at approximately $700 and $374 in cash.
- March 28: The suspect attended a retail store in the 1500 block of Portage Avenue, entered a staff room and stole an employee’s property.
- March 28: The suspect attended a retail store in the 1200 block of St.James Street, entered a staff room and stole an employee’s wallet.
- March 31: The suspect attended a retail store in the 1000 block of Ellice Avenue, entered a staff room and stole an employee’s bag containing their wallet, credit cards, cash and keys.
- April 2: The suspect attended a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue and stole 12 pair of sunglasses valued at approximately $2,900.
- April 5: The suspect attended a grocery store in the 400 block of North Town Road posing as a customer, and stole two lottery packages valued at approximately $200.
- April 5: The suspect attended a retail store in the 1200 block of St. James Street, entered a staff room and stole an employee’s wallet.
- April 5: The suspect attended a retail store in the 1200 block of St. Mary’s Road, entered a staff room and stole an employee’s wallet containing personal identification, credit cards, and $200 cash.
- April 5: The suspect attended a retail store in the 900 block of Henderson Highway two separate occasions and stole property and lottery tickets valued at approximately $500.
- April 6: The suspect attended a jewelry store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West posing as a customer and stole a chain valued at approximately $2,600.
- April 7: The suspect attended a clinic in the sub-100 block of Waterford Green Common, entered a back office and stole an employee’s wallet containing cash and personal items valued at approximately $2,200.
- April 8: The suspect attended a grocery store in the 1600 block of Kenaston Boulevard, entered a staff room and stole an employee’s charger and wallet containing identification and credit cards.
- April 9: The suspect attended a retail store in the 1000 block of McPhillips Street, entered a staff room and stole an employee’s wallet valued at approximately $200.
- April 9: The suspect attended a retail store in the 1400 block of Portage Avenue, and stole an employee’s cellular phone valued at approximately $1,200 from the front desk.
- April 12: The suspect attended a spa in the 1900 block of Henderson Highway, entered an office, and stole an iPad valued at approximately $600 and $100 from a cash register.
- April 17: The suspect attended a retail store in the 3300 block of Portage Avenue, entered a staff room and stole an employee’s wallet and Air Pods.
- April 20: The suspect attended a retail store in the sub-100 block of Marion Street, walked behind a counter unsuspected and stole lottery tickets valued at $1,350.
- April 24: The suspect attended a cellular phone kiosk in the 1200 block of St. Mary’s Road, broke into a cabinet, and stole a box containing 22 phones valued at approximately $7,000.
Investigators have identified Shaun PESCITELLI, 46, of Winnipeg as suspect involved in the above incidents and on April 24, located him in the 2300 block of McPhillips Street, where he was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit.
As a result of this investigation, PESCITELLI has been charged with the following offences:
- Theft Under $5,000 x 17
- Break Enter and Theft – Place
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order
- Warrant – Fail to Comply with Probation Order x 2
- Warrant – Theft Under $5,000 x 5
He was detained in police custody awaiting disposition.
The Property Crime Unit continues to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to contact Property Crime investigators at 204-986-2426, anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org