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A local man and woman face a total of 64 criminal charges in connection with the theft of 14 vehicles worth approximately $1.2 million.
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The Calgary Police Prolific Offender Engagement Team has partnered with the Auto Theft Team to investigate a series of vehicle thefts that appear to be related. Investigators believed the perpetrators worked together to target rental car companies, vehicle repair shops and Calgary residents who left their vehicles unattended.
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According to the police, five major thefts took place within three weeks from October 17.
The pair are believed to be involved in the theft of a Ford Mustang from the Hertz on 25 Street NE, a Lexus RX350 and Mercedes GLC from the Carstar on Royal Vista Drive NW, a Ford Explorer left outside a home on Redstone Heights has. NE, a Chevrolet Silverado left in a parking lot on 100 Avenue NE and nine other vehicles from the Hertz on 25 Street NE.
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Officers arrested and charged two suspects in connection with all 14 robberies.
Bandon Stevens, 29, is charged with 49 criminal counts that include burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and failure to comply with a court order.
Jessica Hennessey, 29, is charged with 15 criminal counts, including burglary, possession of a controlled substance and failure to comply with a court order.
Of the 14 vehicles, the police found 11.
“By devoting resources to monitoring our most prolific offenders, we can more quickly identify crimes they may be connected to and take steps to prevent further victimization,” said Acting Sgt. Dan de Villenfagne with CPS’ car theft team.
“In this case, offenders sought to capitalize on crimes of opportunity, and were able to steal a large number of uninsured vehicles from citizens and businesses in Calgary.”
Calgary police encourage people to never leave a spare key or garage door opener in or around the vehicle, and never leave a running vehicle unattended.
Also, never leave children or pets in a running vehicle, or valuables and identity documents, police said in a news release Tuesday.
sbabych@postmedia.com
