Items worth $1.3 million recovered in big raid

Calgary police say an operation by its break-and-enter teams has led to 108 charges and the recovery of $1.3 million in stolen property.

The recovered property includes 47 stolen vehicles, police said Wednesday. As part of the operation, 39 outstanding warrants were also executed.

The investigation started after three break-and-enters at a business in the 3400 block of 44th Avenue S.E. in August 2017, police said Wednesday. In each of the breakins, police say the offenders used a stolen vehicle to tow a Mastercraft sport boat off the property. Three boats and boat trailers were stolen.

Officers involved in the investigation believed the break-and-enters were connected to a series of break-ins at vehicle dealerships across Calgary.

“It is alleged that the vehicles used to steal the boats were taken in these break-and-enters by gaining access to the dealership’s key drop box,” police said in a release.

“In total, 17 vehicles valued at over $1 million were stolen in this series of break-ins. It is also believed that some of these stolen vehicles were also used in gas thefts, property damage and driving offences.”

Police executed search warrants at a home in the 5100 block of Maryvale Dr. N.E., two rural properties in Mountain View County and one in Rocky View County.

Through the search warrants, suspect arrests and vehicle recoveries, police say they recovered $1.33 million in stolen property, including vehicles, boats, trailers, motorcycles, Bobcats, ATVs, various tools, generators and household and recreation items.

Four people, all from Calgary, are facing charges: Jason Howard Little, 34, Brandon Stevens, 24, Ralph Huizingas, 57, and Amanda Heino, 30.