Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg police say multiple repeat retail theft offenders were arrested this week as part of an ongoing citywide crackdown targeting prolific shoplifters and individuals with outstanding warrants.
According to the Winnipeg Police Service, officers from the Property Crime Unit arrested 36-year-old Ashley Marie Bezecki on Wednesday, December 11, shortly before 4:30 p.m., at a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West. Investigators say Bezecki allegedly entered the store in violation of a release order, selected clothing items, and exited without paying.
Loss prevention officers intervened and contacted police. Investigators later linked Bezecki to an associate involved in nearly 20 retail theft incidents. Police say two warrants had already been issued in relation to those cases. Bezecki now faces an additional charge of theft under $5,000 and two counts of failing to comply with a condition of release. She was detained in custody.
Earlier that day, just after 11:30 a.m., North District officers conducting a traffic stop in the 700 block of Burrows Avenue arrested 60-year-old Gerald Wesley Bolt, who was listed among Winnipeg Crime Stoppers’ Top 10 Retail Theft Wanted individuals. Police say Bolt had been arrested five times previously for retail theft and probation breaches. During the arrest, officers allegedly seized approximately one gram of fentanyl and one gram of cocaine. Bolt faces multiple drug possession charges and several outstanding theft and probation-related warrants. He was also detained.
On Thursday, December 12, officers assigned to the SafeShop Project arrested 49-year-old Michael Villalba Deguzman in the Polo Park area after allegedly stealing merchandise from a store on Portage Avenue. Police say Deguzman was also listed on the Crime Stoppers Retail Theft Wanted List and had four outstanding warrants related to previous investigations.
All three suspects remain in custody.
Police say targeted enforcement efforts will continue as retail theft remains a persistent issue affecting businesses across Winnipeg.
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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