Winnipeg, MB – A woman accused of carrying out a months-long retail theft spree across Winnipeg was arrested Thursday after allegedly attempting to steal nearly $600 in merchandise from a business on Portage Avenue.
According to the Winnipeg Police Service, officers responded on December 5, 2025, to a store in the 1400 block of Portage Avenue where staff reported a theft in progress. Police say the woman allegedly selected about $575 worth of items and attempted to leave without paying before she was stopped by an employee. Officers arrested her without incident.
Investigators later determined the woman was already under review by the Property Crime Unit and was believed to be connected to at least 14 additional retail thefts recorded between August and November. Police outlined several incidents captured on store security cameras, including:
• Between August 7 and November 24: Twelve separate thefts at a business on Portage Avenue totaling $3,147.
• September 2: Theft of $100 in merchandise from a store on Vermillion Road.
• September 4: Theft of $80 in items from a Sargent Avenue retailer.
• October 16: Theft of $103 in goods from a store on Regent Avenue.
The total loss reported across the affected retailers is estimated at more than $4,000.
Police identified the suspect as Priscilla Anne Ross, 57, who has been charged with Theft Under $5,000 in connection with the most recent incident, along with four warrants involving 14 additional Theft Under $5,000 charges. She was detained in custody.
Residents who witnessed any of the listed incidents or have further information are encouraged to contact Winnipeg police.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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