Prolific thief arrested after string of commercial thefts totalling over $27,000 in merchandise: C26-179202

Released: July 23, 2026 at 8:45 a.m.

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In July of 2026, the Winnipeg Police Service’s West District Community Support Unit began an investigation regarding a string of retail thefts to a number of commercial businesses within Winnipeg. Investigators determined that a man was linked to these events which included the following:

  • Between June 29, 2026, and July 4, 2026: A man attended a retail business in the 1400 block of Portage Avenue five times and stole merchandise valued at $4,805.

  • Between July 16, 2026, and July 20, 2026: A man attended a retail business in the 1400 block of Portage Avenue five times and stole merchandise valued at $22,985.

  • On July 21, 2026: A man attended a retail business in the 1400 block of Portage Avenue and stole merchandise valued at $123.

All incidents were captured on the retailer’s security cameras and reported to police. The Property Crime Unit assumed the investigation, identified and linked a 23-year-old man as a suspect in the above-mentioned incidents. The combined total loss incurred by all retailers is estimated at over $27,000.

On July 21, 2026, the suspect was located by investigators in the vicinity of the1400 block of Portage Avenue and arrested without incident.

Joshua Joseph Phillip THIBERT (23), has been charged with the following:

  • Theft Under $5,000 x 9
  • Theft Overs $5,000 x 2

He was detained in custody.

The Property Crime Unit continues to investigate.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Property Crime Unit at 204-986-2426 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.

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