Calgary police have charged two people in connection with the theft of credit and debit cards from unsuspecting victims at the city’s three major post-secondary schools.

In March 2016, officers were alerted after several people reported that their credit and debit cards were stolen from their wallets or purses while they were in the University of Calgary library or campus locker rooms.

Those cards were then used to purchase items at several nearby businesses.

During the investigation police and campus security learned that similar incidents had taken place at SAIT and Mount Royal University.

Police believe that over 50 debit and credit cards were stolen in a three month period. They say the cards were used about 300 times, but there is no estimate on how much the culprits defrauded from their victims.

Police arrested Alexander Louis Harsanyi, 22, and Monica Rebalski, 22, both of Calgary, in connection with the thefts.

They are charged with multiple counts of theft and fraud and are expected to appear in court on June 29, 2016.

The investigation is ongoing and more charges are pending.

Police say that these crimes are thought to be crimes of opportunity and residents are reminded to:

  • Keep valuables with you when in public areas like a gym or library
  • If you must leave them unattended, be sure they are secured somewhere safe
  • Ensure they are not left in plain sight and cannot be taken without you noticing
  • Report suspicious activity to security services or police
  • Report any thefts to police, even if you have already notified security services about the incident

Anyone with information on these thefts or frauds is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be left anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637