Calgary police have laid charges against four people and recovered numerous stolen vehicles and items in connection with an operation stemming from a series of robberies at a business in August.

Officials say the investigation began after three robberies at a business in the 3400 block of 44 Avenue S.E. in August.

In each of those incidents, the offenders used a stolen vehicle to remove boats from the businesses. In total, three boats and trailers, with an approximate value of $638,500, were stolen.

A subsequent investigation revealed that the robberies are connected to a series of break-ins aimed at dealerships throughout the city.

Police believe that the offenders in this case were able to take vehicles from the dealerships by gaining access to their key drop boxes.

17 vehicles, valued at over $1M, were stolen in that fashion.

Search warrants were executed at a home in the 5100 block of Maryvale Drive N.E., as well as at two rural properties in Mountain View County and one in Rocky View County with the assistance of the RCMP.

During those operations, police recovered 47 stolen vehicles consisting of passenger vehicles, boats, trailers, motorcycles, bobcats and ATVs.

During one arrest, police found a suspect driving a stolen F350 that was towing a utility trailer that had a 1929 Ford Model A sedan inside. That vehicle had been reported stolen from an antique vehicle collector.

Jason Howard Little, 34, of Calgary faces:

  • 15 counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000
  • 12 counts of breach of recognizance
  • nine counts each of driving while unauthorized and driving without insurance
  • six counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000
  • five counts of break and enter
  • three counts of theft under $5,000
  • two counts each of theft over $5,000, possession of break and enter instruments and possession of an illegal substance

Brandon Stevens, 24, of Calgary, faces:

  • five counts of theft under $5,000
  • four counts each of break and enter, possession of stolen property over $5,000, driving while unauthorized and driving without insurance
  • two counts each of possession of stolen property under $5,000 and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
  • one count each of possession of break and enter instruments, mischief to property over $5,000, mischief to property under $5,000, breach of recognizance and possession of an illegal substance

Ralph Huizingas, 57, of Calgary, faces:

  • three counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000
  • one count each of unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a firearm without a licence, driving without insurance and driving without a subsisting licence

Amanda Heino, 30, of Calgary, has been charged with three counts of breach of a recognizance.

There is no information on court appearances for the suspects.