Dozens of charges laid in connection with theft of 14 vehicles
A Calgary man and woman face dozens of charges in connection with the theft of $1.2 million worth of vehicles.
Investigators say the pair targeted rental cars, vehicle repair shops and citizens who left their vehicles unattended in front of their homes.
Police say members of the prolific offender engagement and auto theft team became involved in a series of investigations that began on Oct. 17 and continued for about two weeks.
The vehicles stolen include:
- A Ford Mustang, as well as nine other vehicles, from the Hertz located in the 10300 block of 25th Street N.E.;
- A Lexus RX350 and Mercedes GLC from the Carstar located in the 0 to 100 block of Royal Vista Drive N.W.;
- A Ford Explorer left running outside a home in the 100 block of Redstone Heights N.E.; and
- A Chevrolet Silverado left running outside a home in the 2100 block of 100th Avenue N.E.
Because police believed that all of the thefts were connected, investigators compared evidence collected at each scene and worked to identify and arrest two suspects.
Brandon Stevens, 29, of Calgary, is charged with 49 offences, including break-and-enter, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and failure to comply with a court order.
Jessica Hennessey, 29, of Calgary, is charged with 15 offences, including break-and-enter, possession of a controlled substance and failure to comply with a court order.
So far, police have recovered 11 out of the 14 vehicles stolen.
Officials say the suspects involved were able to take advantage of several crimes of opportunity and residents and business owners need to take steps to prevent these incidents.
Some of the CPS' advice includes:
- Never leave spare keys or garage door openers in or around your vehicle;
- Never leave your vehicle running while unattended – consider installing a remote starter instead;
- Use a steering wheel lock to deter thieves; and
- Never leave children, pets or valuables inside a vehicle.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity should report it immediately to police by calling 403-266-1234 or 911 for crimes in progress.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.