‘Prolific offender’ arrested in connection with recreation centre thefts in Calgary area: RCMP

RCMP logo shown in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. Mounties issue shelter in place order, with four armed men being sought. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

RCMP in southern Alberta say they’ve arrested a “prolific offender” accused in a series of thefts at several Calgary-area recreation centres.

Mounties say they began an investigation into a series of thefts occurring at recreation centres in Calgary and several surrounding communities in March.

They obtained arrest warrants for a male suspect who had allegedly stolen and misused a credit card at a Cochrane recreation centre in October 2025, and allegedly stolen from a business in High River in September 2025.

The same suspect was identified in other similar theft incidents in Canmore, Okotoks, Airdrie, Tsuut’ina Nation and multiple instances in Calgary.

RCMP say officers located the suspect at a recreation facility in Calgary on April 2, where he was arrested on five outstanding warrants.

At the time of his arrest, the suspect was found to be in possession of stolen property from 11 victims from the recreation facility, as well as a tool used to break into lockers.

A 47-year-old suspect who resides in both Edmonton and Calgary is facing multiple charges, including 11 counts of theft under $5,000, possession of a break-in instrument and mischief under $5,000.

Police say additional charges are expected to be laid.