‘Theft scheme’: RCMP lay charges after heavy equipment stolen from Alberta discovered in B.C.
Posted Dec 22, 2023 9:29 am.
Last Updated Dec 22, 2023 9:31 am.
The theft of heavy equipment from major cities in Alberta led Mounties on an investigation to Langley, B.C., where a “theft scheme” was uncovered and a suspect faces charges.
The investigation started when police received a call from a business owner in Rocky View County on Sept. 12, who suspected stolen property might be in their rental units.
As a result, officers searched the area and found four skid steers and a stolen F350 pickup truck.
They say the vehicles all came from businesses in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Airdrie, which were all victims of fraudulently rented heavy equipment.
Investigators then tracked more equipment to a job site in Langley, B.C., where two more mini excavators and a skid steer were recovered.
In addition, they found out the theft was part of a “scheme” organized by a “habitual property offender” who is active between B.C. and Alberta.
“The pattern of theft involved use of stolen identities with fraudulently obtained credit to rent equipment from area dealers. In this series, the suspect attended the businesses in a black F350 pickup truck with a trailer, or would attempt to rent a trailer at the time of pickup,” RCMP said in a news release.
They say regarding the fraudulent rentals, VIN numbers would be damaged or removed along with installed tracking devices. In addition, the equipment was stored away to be sold, which is how they believe the equipment ended up in Langley.
Police say 10 skid steers and two mini excavators were stolen and have an estimated value of $837,231, and of them, five skid steers and two mini excavators recovered, valued an estimated $577,105.
Mounties now need the public’s help in finding 38-year-old Rajneel Prasad, who is wanted, at large, and last known to live in Vancouver.
He faces 19 charges for theft over $5,000, impersonation, and obliterating a VIN on a motor vehicle. Another 38 charges are expected.
“I’d like to thank the business owners and members of the public who assisted in this investigation. It is a good example of how reporting suspicious activity can lead to the substantial recovery of stolen items and ability to lay charges on those responsible,” said S Sgt. Mark Wielgosz with Strathmore RCMP.
Police ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of Prasad, or any other offences, to contact the Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3968 or your local police. You can also leave a tip anonymously at Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) online.
