In May of 2025, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Property Crime Unit began an investigation into a series of retail thefts at several businesses in Winnipeg. Investigators determined that a woman was linked to the incidents, which included the following:
- On May 21, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 800 block of Regent Avenue West and selected approximately $300 worth of food items before exiting the store without paying
- On June 5, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1300 block of McPhillips Street and selected approximately $1,000 worth of clothing before exiting the store without paying
- On June 7, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1300 block of McPhillips and selected approximately $200 worth of clothing before exiting the store without paying
- On June 8, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and selected approximately $700 worth of clothing before exiting, without making any attempt to pay
- On June 20, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and selected approximately $700 worth of clothing before exiting without paying
- On June 21, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1600 block of Kenaston Boulevard and selected approximately $300 worth of clothing before exiting without paying
- On July 15, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and selected approximately $400 worth of clothing without paying
- On July 15, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and selected approximately $300 worth of clothing before exiting the store without paying
- On July 16, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 3600 block of Portage Avenue and selected approximately $672 worth of clothing before exiting without paying
- On July 18, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1300 block of McPhillips Street and selected approximately $334 worth of clothing before without paying
- On July 23, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and selected approximately $800 worth of clothing before without paying
- On July 24, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1300 block of McPhillips Street and selected approximately $600 worth of clothing before exiting the without paying
- On August 1, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1300 block of McPhillips Street and selected approximately $500 worth of clothing before exiting the store without making any attempt to pay
- On August 12, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1300 block of McPhillips Street and selected approximately $280 worth of clothing before exiting the store without making any attempt to pay
- On August 16, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1300 block of McPhillips Street and selected approximately $300 worth of clothing before exiting the store without making any attempt to pay
- On August 19, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1300 block of McPhillips Street and selected approximately $350 worth of clothing before exiting the store without making any attempt to pay
- On August 21, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1300 block of McPhillips Street and selected approximately $300 worth of clothing before exiting the store without making any attempt to pay
- On August 21, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and selected approximately $500 worth of clothing before exiting the store without making any attempt to pay
- On August 23, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and selected approximately $550 worth of clothing before exiting the store without making any attempt to pay
- On August 30, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1400 block of Plessis Road and selected approximately $103 worth of merchandise before exiting the store without making any attempt to pay
- On September 11, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1300 block of McPhillips Street and selected approximately $850 worth of clothing before exiting the store without making any attempt to pay
- On October 14, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and selected approximately $900 worth of clothing before exiting the store without making any attempt to pay
- On November 25, 2025: A woman entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and selected approximately $550 worth of clothing before exiting the store without making any attempt to pay
The incidents were captured on video surveillance and reported to police. The total value of stolen merchandise is over $10,000.
The investigations were assigned to the Property Crime Unit, who identified a suspect and obtained a warrant for her arrest.
On March 9, 2026, investigators arrested Francene Margaret HUDSON (37) on the strength of the endorsed arrest warrant for Theft Under $5000 x 2 and Theft Over $5000 (combined values). She was released on an Undertaking.