Investigation of 'elaborate fencing operation' leads police to recover $225K worth of stolen goods in northern B.C.
CTV
Mounties in northern B.C. say a recent arrest for shoplifting led to the discovery of an "elaborate fencing operation" and the seizure of more than $225,000 worth of stolen goods.
Mounties in northern B.C. say a recent arrest for shoplifting led to the discovery of an "elaborate fencing operation" and the seizure of more than $225,000 worth of stolen goods.
The investigation began on Jan. 27 when Fort St. John RCMP were called to a business near 96 Street and 93 Avenue in the city.
The caller reported an initial theft that had occurred on Jan. 6, but said the male suspect was inside the same store and "believed to actively be shoplifting," RCMP said in a news release.
Officers responded to the store, but the suspect was gone when they arrived, police said.
Investigators identified the man and, on Feb. 1, officers executed multiple search warrants at his home, seizing "a large amount of suspected stolen goods," according to the release.
All told, investigators processed nearly 650 items seized during the searches, with a combined estimated value over $225,000, police said, adding that their investigation is ongoing and charges related to the seized items have not yet been forwarded to Crown.
On Feb. 4, police received a report of the same man allegedly shoplifting at the same store. This time, responding officers encountered him outside the store with items they believed had been stolen.
