Winnipeg police have arrested one man and issued a warrant for another following a string of thefts and property crimes during the spring and summer. According to police, officers responded to 13 thefts and break-ins between April and June 2026 throughout Winnipeg and the RM of Headingley. Trailers, lawn equipment, motorcycles, bicycles and a vehicle were stolen, with the property having an estimated value of $140,000. Police said stolen vehicles and stolen license plates were used during the incidents and suspects frequently wore disguises to conceal their identities. Two suspects were later identified, and police said they were wearing electronic monitoring bracelets. One of the suspects, a 35-year-old man, was found driving a vehicle on Clonard Avenue on Aug. 4. When police tried to conduct a traffic stop, the suspect sped away before abandoning the vehicle. He was arrested shortly after. Police searched homes in the 100 block of Strauss Drive and the 100 block of Stranmillis Avenue later that day and found stolen property, a rifle, ammunition and a lock cutter. The 35-year-old was charged with 22 criminal code offences, including theft, break and enter, and possession of stolen property and was detained in custody. Winnipeg police have issued a warrant for Jesse Troy Lafreniere, 41, who is wanted on 23 charges, including theft, break and enter and weapons charges. Lafreniere is five-foot-11 and weighs 197 lbs with a medium build. Anyone with information on his location is asked to call police at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477. Charges against both men have not been proven in court.
