A 36-year-old Winnipeg man is in custody following his arrest during a retail enforcement project, as police allege he is connected to dozens of tool thefts and a large-scale pawn operation.
The Winnipeg Police Service says officers with the East District Community Support Unit arrested Schuyler Stirling Bowman on March 12, shortly before 5 p.m., in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue. He was identified as a prolific shoplifter and the investigation was later taken over by the Property Crime Unit.
Series of thefts across Winnipeg
Police allege Bowman was responsible for 23 separate shoplifting incidents between Jan. 4 and March 12, primarily targeting brand name tools and power tools from home improvement stores.
The incidents occurred at multiple locations, including the 1500 block of Regent Avenue, the 700 block of Empress Street, the 800 block of Leila Avenue, the 1600 block of Kenaston Boulevard and the 1900 block of Abinojii Mikanah.
The value of stolen property in each incident ranged from just over $200 to more than $1,300. All incidents were captured on store security cameras, which investigators say helped link Bowman to the thefts.
Pawn investigation reveals larger operation
Through the investigation, police say Bowman used stolen identification to pawn more than 400 items at a Main Street pawn shop between July 11, 2025, and March 1, 2026.
The total value of the pawned items is estimated between $105,000 and $140,000. Police believe Bowman received approximately $34,600 in exchange.
Investigators were able to recover about $12,000 worth of stolen property from the pawn shop.
Multiple charges laid
Bowman now faces a number of charges, including:
Theft under $5,000 (23 counts)
Identity fraud
Trafficking in property obtained by crime over $5,000
Fail to comply with recognizance (12 counts)
He remains in custody awaiting further disposition.