Shoplifting suspect using a transit bus to flee arrested for several retail thefts, breaching release order and probation orders: C25-221833

Released: September 26, 2025 at 2:48 p.m.

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On September 18, 2025, Winnipeg Police arrested a 29-year-old man on a bus after a shoplifting incident at a retail store in the 3100 block of Portage Avenue. The man was believed to be involved in several thefts at the same store between July 7 and September 18, 2025, with over $1,000 worth of merchandise reported stolen.

July 7: Clothing valued at $120
July 8: Clothing valued at $89.99
July 10: Clothing valued at $366.87
July 25: Clothing valued at $174.95
August 24: Clothing valued at $200

On September 18, at 9:09 a.m., staff reported a theft of clothing valued at $200 by a man believed to be the same suspect for the previous thefts. Staff from the store saw him getting on a transit bus with the stolen property and contacted police.

At 9:32 a.m., West District General Patrol officers located Stephen HARPER (29) on a bus at Portage Avenue and Moray Street, where he was taken into custody. Clothing from the store was recovered, and the matter was turned over to the Property Crime Unit.

HARPER has been charged with Theft Under x 6, Fail to Comply with Condition of Release Order x 2, and was wanted on warrants for Fail to Comply with Probation Order x 2 and Fail to Attend Court. He was detained in custody.

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