Winnipeg, MB – A months-long retail theft investigation in Winnipeg ended Saturday after police arrested a man they say was connected to a widespread series of store thefts dating back to August.
According to the Winnipeg Police Service, the arrest occurred on December 2 shortly before 11:30 a.m., when North District General Patrol officers spotted 32-year-old William Jack Joseph Plante at a grocery store in the 500 block of Mountain Avenue. Police said a security guard recognized him from a recently issued Crime Stoppers Wanted List. Officers immediately took him into custody.
Investigators linked Plante to 19 separate incidents, allegedly involving thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise from retail stores across Winnipeg. The thefts spanned from August 2 to November 18 and included tools, vacuum cleaners, power blowers, nail guns, mattresses, duvets, Bluetooth speakers, purses, clothing and more.
According to police, the incidents occurred across several neighborhoods, including Leila Avenue, Regent Avenue West, Sterling Lyon Parkway, Kenaston Boulevard, and Winona Street. In many cases, the suspect allegedly walked out of stores with high-value items, with some thefts exceeding $2,000 in merchandise.
Police said surveillance images and video supported the investigation. Plante faces 19 counts of theft under $5,000, one count of failing to comply with a release order, and was detained in custody.
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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