The Portage la Prairie RCMP are investigating a series of rural property thefts that occurred this past Sunday April 6th. Between 3:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., officers responded to multiple reports of thefts involving property and off-road vehicles in the North Norfolk Rural Municipality.
Upon investigating the incidents, police determined that a group of suspects was likely responsible for the thefts. Victims reported that several individuals entered their properties in a vehicle, believed to be armed with firearms. Once on the properties, the suspects broke into shops, stealing various items, including ATVs, power tools, and in one case, a 2010 brown and cream-colored Dodge Ram pickup truck with Manitoba license plate KHP 257.
With the help of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS), RCMP provided a description of the suspect vehicle, which was located at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Highway 50 and Main Road in Sandy Bay First Nation. MFNPS officers arrested a 17-year-old female from Sandy Bay First Nation, the lone occupant of the vehicle.
The Portage la Prairie RCMP continue to investigate the three break-ins and are still working to determine the full amount of the stolen property. Police are urging residents to report any suspicious activity in their area.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or submit tips online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
The investigation is ongoing. Potential victims have also reached out to PortageOnline to tell their story.
Photos of the suspects provided by the Portage la Prairie RCMP
