Four people have been charged following an investigation into tire thefts from Winnipeg stores. According to Winnipeg police, officers from the major crimes unit began investigating the thefts last month following multiple commercial break-ins targeting tire stores throughout the city. Police said stores lost between $50,000 and $60,000 from the break-ins between Sept. 12 and 29. Stores in the 1600 block of Kenaston Boulevard and the 800 block of Leila Avenue also reported stolen merchandise valued at roughly $3,250 between the stores. Police investigated and identified suspects. They allege one used false identification to rent a truck on Sept. 26. At approximately 3 a.m. on the following day, officers were called to a break-in at a business in the 300 block of Oak Point Highway and saw the rented truck being loaded with stolen property. When officers approached, several suspects ran from the scene, while one drove the truck away from the area. The truck was later abandoned near Cathedral Avenue and Parr Street. On Oct. 3, a search warrant was executed at a home in the Mandalay West area and four people were arrested. Police say several of the suspects had court-ordered conditions prohibiting contact with each other, as well as attending some of the businesses targeted. Four men ranging in age from 24 to 39 have been charged with multiple offences, including break and enter, possession of property obtained by crime, and failure to comply with probation orders. They were detained in custody and none of the charges have been proven in court.
