Winnipeg police say three people are facing charges after two separate investigations into a string of chronic retail thefts across the city, with cases built through surveillance video, store reports, and information from Crime Stoppers.
The arrests were made on May 11 and May 12.
Crime Stoppers tip leads to two arrests
On May 11, the Winnipeg Police Service arrested an adult male and an adult female after an investigation into multiple alleged thefts between March and May 2026.
Investigators say the pair were identified after reviewing surveillance footage from several retail locations and receiving a tip through Crime Stoppers.
Police say warrants were issued after the suspects were linked to thefts at stores across Winnipeg, including locations along Empress Street, Leila Avenue, Kenaston Boulevard, Portage Avenue, St. Mary’s Avenue, St. James Street, and Sterling Lyon Parkway.
The incidents are alleged to have occurred between March 10 and May 4, with stolen merchandise values ranging from $138 to just over $1,000 per incident.
Police say the investigation resulted in 12 charges of Theft Under $5,000 against 31-year-old Dillon Middleton. A 28-year-old woman is facing nine similar charges.
Middleton was arrested in the 800 block of Main Street during an unrelated call for service and remains in custody. The woman was arrested in the 700 block of Aberdeen Avenue and was released on an undertaking to appear in court.
McPhillips Street thefts lead to additional arrest
On May 12, members of the Winnipeg Police Service Property Crime Unit attended a retail store in the 2300 block of McPhillips Street and arrested a 31-year-old man after an attempted theft.
Police say the suspect was identified as Thomas Mervin Cook and was also linked to several earlier thefts at the same location dating back to late April.
Investigators say surveillance footage captured incidents on April 28, April 30, May 1, May 8, May 11, and May 12.
The total value of stolen merchandise is estimated at approximately $6,110, with individual incidents ranging from $231 to $1,065.
Cook is facing six counts of Theft Under $5,000, along with outstanding warrants, including failing to attend court and failing to comply with a probation order. He remains in custody.
Winnipeg police say both investigations highlight the role of surveillance footage, retail security teams, and public tips in helping identify repeat offenders and advance property crime cases.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Winnipeg Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS or submit anonymous tips online.