Police nab three alleged porch pirates at work in Transcona

A trio of porch pirates operating in Transcona have been arrested by Winnipeg police.

The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) have nabbed three alleged porch pirates accused of stealing several packages from the front steps of Transcona homes.

Police launched an investigation—Project Thrifties—after learning in November of an uptick in packages being stolen from homes and businesses in Transcona.

Investigators discovered several retail and residential properties had been targeted. Between August and January, police said porch pirates made off with nine packages from homes and businesses, the combined value of which totalled more than $700.

Through the course of the investigation, police said they identified three suspects.

“The suspects are previously known to each other through the drug subculture, and linked to retail theft and porch parcel thefts,” Const. Pat Saydak, a public information officer, said. “The suspects and victims are not previously known to each other.”

Two 35-year-old women and a 47-year-old man have been charged with multiple theft-related offences. One of the women and the man are detained in custody, while one of the women was released on an undertaking.

During the investigation, police also shut down a “problem residence” in the 300 block of Larche Crescent.

“The residence was frequented by several of the suspects and linked to the investigation,” Saydek said.

Saydak added they believe more victims of the thefts are out there and are encouraged to report to the police online or by calling [phone].

He encouraged people ordering packages to consider requesting a signature confirmation, signing up for delivery alerts, avoiding visible deliveries, or looking into using a safe pick-up option or alternate delivery location.