On June 28, 2025, Major Crimes Unit investigators attended the Headingley Correctional Center and arrested 43-year-old Cornell Lee BELANGER following an investigation into commercial break-ins throughout the city.
Incident Synopsis:
On March 12, a suspect attended a restaurant in the 0-99 block of Albert Street and pried open the back door using a screwdriver. He fled with money from the cash register, leaving the screwdriver behind. The screwdriver was seized and sent to the RCMP Forensic Assessment Centre for analysis and DNA collection.
On April 3, a suspect attended a hair salon in the 200 block of Lilac Street and pried open the back door to enter. He stole various product valued at over $2,800 and fled the business.
Between April 3 and April 4, a suspect attended a restaurant in the 200 block of Portage Avenue and pried the door lock to enter the business. He stole cash, two tablets, and an iPhone before fleeing the restaurant.
On April 4, a suspect attended a business in the 300 block of Portage Avenue and defeated the door lock to force his way in. He stole $600 worth of merchandise before fleeing the business.
On April 10, a suspect attended and broke into a catering business in the 1300 block of Portage Avenue, stealing a laptop and Bluetooth speaker before fleeing.
On April 14, a suspect attended and broke into a dog grooming business in the 110 block of Corydon Avenue and stole cash from the register before fleeing.
On April 16, a suspect attended a car detailing business in the 1300 block of Sargent Avenue and pried the dead bolt to enter the business. He broke into the business’ safe and stole the keys to 16 vehicles before fleeing.
Through their investigation, investigators identified BELANGER and linked him to the above-mentioned incidents. DNA analysis of the screwdriver also linked BELANGER to the Albert Street break-in.
BELANGER has been charged with Break & Enter offences related to these incidents and remains in custody.