Public Assistance – Catalytic converter thefts, four arrested, one suspect remains outstanding

Released: July 17, 2026 at 8:53 a.m.

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In May 2026, investigators from the Property Crime Unit received an uptick in the number of reports for catalytic converter thefts. An ongoing investigation, with the assistance of video surveillance identified several suspects believed to be linked to numerous thefts that occurred between April and June 2026.

A total of 13 victims were identified related to thefts from the following places, with an estimate of more than $20,000 in damages.

  1. On April 26, 2026, in a parking lot on Wilmot Place
  2. On April 26, 2026, in the 300 block of Wardlaw Avenue
  3. On May 7, 2026, in a parking lot in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue W
  4. On May 23, 2026, in the 500 block of River Avenue  
  5. On May 26, 2026, in a secure lot in the 1400 Saskatchewan Avenue
  6. On May 24th 2026, in the 600 block of McMeans Avenue East
  7. On May 25th 2026, in the 400 block of Leila Avenue
  8. On May 27th 2026, in the 1-99 block of Myrtle Street
  9. On May 27th 2026, in a parking lot in the 1800 block of Portage Avenue
  10. On May 27th 2026, in the 600 block of Academy Road
  11. On June 1, 2026, in a parking lot of 1400 block of Saskatchewan Avenue
  12. On June 3rd 2026, in the 300 block of Marion Street
  13. On June 8th 2026, in the 1700 block of Henderson Highway

Four people have been arrested, and one suspect remains outstanding.

  • A 44-year-old man, Tyrel MARTIN was charged with Theft Under $5000 x 4, Mischief Under $5,000 x 4 and a Warrant for Failing to Appear Ident. He was released on an Undertaking.
  • A 51-year-old woman, is facing a charge of Theft Under $5000 x 1 and was released on an Undertaking.

  • A 36-year-old man, is facing charges for Theft Under $5000 x 7, Mischief Under $5,000 x 7. He was released on an Undertaking.

  • A 48-year-old man, is facing a charge of Theft Under $5000 x 1 and was released on an Undertaking.

Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 43-year-old, Jay HECKERT, who has a warrant for: Theft Under $5,000, Mischief Under $5,000, Failing to Attend.

**WANTED**

Jay HECKERT (43)

Catalytic Suspect

This investigation is continuing. Anyone with information or wishing to speak to an investigator can contact the Property Crime Unit at 204-986-2426 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.

Damage/mischief to vehicles (not from a collision) can be reported to police online.

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