Suspect arrested after string of recreation centre thefts in Calgary, surrounding area
Posted Apr 7, 2026 2:28 pm.
Mounties have arrested a man they say is responsible for a months‑long series of thefts targeting recreation centres across Calgary and several surrounding communities.
The RCMP began investigating in March 2026 after a pattern of locker thefts and credit‑card misuse emerged at facilities in Calgary, Cochrane, High River, Canmore, Okotoks, Airdrie and Tsuut’ina Nation.
Investigators had previously obtained warrants connected to incidents in Cochrane in October 2025, and High River in September 2025, and security footage linked the same suspect to similar cases in multiple jurisdictions.
According to RCMP, officers located the suspect on Apr. 2 at a Calgary recreation facility and arrested him on five outstanding warrants. Police say he was carrying stolen property belonging to 11 different victims at the time, along with a tool allegedly used to break into lockers.
Leslie Bill Smolley, 47, who police say resides in both Edmonton and Calgary, is now facing several charges, including 11 counts of theft under $5,000, possession of a break‑in instrument and mischief under $5,000. RCMP say additional charges are expected.
Smolley has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear in a Calgary courtroom on Wednesday.
