Calgary man and woman arrested in connection to 14 vehicle thefts
Posted Dec 6, 2022 2:41 pm.
Last Updated Dec 6, 2022 3:03 pm.
Calgary police have arrested a man and woman connected to the thefts of 14 vehicles over the past couple of months.
Officers say the jackings started in October, adding they believe the two suspects “were working together to target rental car companies, vehicle repair shops,” and vehicles that were left outside.
Five thefts happened over the course of a couple of weeks starting on Oct. 17, according to police.
Those thefts involve a Lexus RX350 and a Mercedes GLC from a CarStar on Royal Vista Drive NW, a Ford Explorer that was left running with no one inside at a home located around Redstone Heights NE, and a Chevrolet Silverado in a parking lot north of the Calgary Airport by the Park2Go Value Valet that was left running.
In addition, a Ford Mustang and nine other vehicles were stolen from a Hertz on 25 Street NE.
Investigators say 11 of the 14 vehicles have been recovered so far. They are worth around $1.4 million.
Twenty-nine-year-old Brandon Stevens is facing 49 charges, and 29-year-old Jessica Hennessey is facing 15 charges. The charges involve break and enter, possession of a controlled substance, and failure to comply with a court order, while Stevens alone is facing charges related to the theft of a motor vehicle.
Staff S. Dan de Villenfagne says the police dedicated resources to “monitor our most prolific offenders” in a statement.
“In this case, offenders were looking to capitalize on crimes of opportunity and were able to steal a large number of unsecured vehicles from citizens and businesses in Calgary,” Villenfagne said.
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Calgary police are asking people to keep their vehicles secured and are providing these tips:
- Never leave spare keys or garage door openers in or around your vehicle.
- Never leave a running vehicle unattended if the keys are inside the vehicle or if the vehicle has been started with a keyless ignition or push-button start.
- Use a remote starter whenever possible and keep your vehicle locked.
- If you are warming up your vehicle with the keys in the ignition or with a push-button start, stay with your vehicle.
- Use a steering wheel lock to deter thieves.
- Never leave children or pets in a running vehicle.
- Do not leave valuables, including identity documents and bank cards, in a vehicle.
Lastly, officers say to report any suspicious activity to police by calling 403-266-1234 or 9-1-1 for crimes in progress.
