Property Crime Unit arrests second prolific retail theft suspect in first week of December: C25-222392

Released: December 4, 2025 at 8:23 a.m.

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.

On December 2, 2025, shortly before 11:30 a.m., North District General Patrol officers arrested 38-year-old William Jack Joseph PLANTE at a grocery store in the 500 block of Mountain Avenue, after security personnel recognized him from the Winnipeg Crime Stoppers Wanted List.

At about 11:20 a.m., PLANTE entered the grocery store at the above-mentioned address and was immediately recognized by a security guard from a recently posted Crime Stoppers Wanted List. Attending officers quickly arrived and took PLANTE into custody and he was turned over to the Property Crime Unit.

Through their investigation, investigators linked PLANTE to the following incidents:

  • August 2: A man attended a retail store in the 2100 block of McPhillips Street and stole toys valued at $250.
  • September 21: A man attended a retail store in the 500 block of Sterling Lyon Parkway and stole three mattresses and two duvets valued at $987.
  • September 21: A man attended a retail store in the 1600 block of Kenaston Boulevard and stole five cordless frame nailing tools valued at $2,500.
  • October 3: A man attended a retail store in the 800 block of Leila Avenue and stole two 20V multi tool combination kits valued at $1,240.
  • October 6: A man attended a retail store in the 800 block of Leila Avenue and stole two leaf blowers and a chainsaw valued at $984.
  • October 7: A man attended a retail store in the 800 block of Leila Avenue and stole two vacuums valued at $550.
  • October 9: A man attended a retail store in the 800 block of Leila Avenue and stole eight jackets valued at $1,280.
  • October 26: A man attended a retail store in the 800 block of Leila Avenue and stole multiple article of clothing valued at $510.
  • October 27: A man attended a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and stole two Bluetooth speakers valued at $2,440.
  • October 27: A man attended a retail store in the 800 block of Leila Avenue and stole multiple articles of clothing valued at $850.
  • November 1: A man attended a retail store in the 800 block of Leila Avenue and stole clothing, wallets, and purses valued at $1,271.
  • November 2: A man attended a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and stole multiple articles of clothing valued at $780.
  • November 4: A man attended a retail store in the 800 block of Leila Avenue and stole clothing and purses valued at $820.
  • November 5: A man attended a retail store in the 800 block of Leila Avenue and stole clothing and bags valued at $2,190.
  • November 11: A man attended a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and stole clothing and accessories valued at $1,220.
  • November 13: A man attended a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and stole clothing and accessories valued at $1,580.
  • November 15: A man attended a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and stole clothing and accessories valued at $2,205.
  • November 17: A man attended a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and stole merchandise valued at $900.
  • November 18: A man attended a retail store in 800 block of Leila Avenue stole leaf blowers and an electric snowblower valued at $1,350.

All the above-mentioned incidents were captured on store security video.

Investigators determined the total value of stolen merchandise at almost $24,000.

Property Crime Unit investigators identified PLANTE as a suspect and linked him to all the above-mentioned incidents. On December 2, investigators arrested him in the 500 block of Mountain Avenue.

PLANTE was arrested on the strength of seven warrants and is charged with nineteen counts of Theft Under.

PLANTE was detained in custody.

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.