Man charged in laptop thefts at University of Winnipeg
Man found with break-in tools and drugs, as well as ID and credit cards belonging to others
A Winnipeg man faces multiple theft charges after four laptop computers were stolen from the University of Winnipeg this spring.
The 54-year-old man is also accused of stealing a bicycle in the city's downtown and possessing break-in tools, drugs, and credit and ID cards belonging to other people.
Police say computer equipment was stolen from the university campus, located in the 500 block of Portage Avenue, between March 3 and May 25.
As well, a bicycle was stolen from the first 100 block of Lombard Place on June 1.
A University of Winnipeg spokesperson told CBC News that four laptops were stolen — three from the library and one from the student central area.
"We worked co-operatively with police in providing them with surveillance video. We are pleased they were able to identify and arrest a suspect," the spokesperson stated in an email.
Police say they arrested the man on Tuesday, after they saw him trying to steal a bicycle near Smith Street and Notre Dame Avenue.
The man has been charged with the following:
- Six counts of theft under $5,000.
- Four counts of possessing identity documents.
- Two counts of possessing credit cards.
- One count of possessing methamphetamine.
- One count of possessing instruments used for break-ins.
- One count of possessing property obtained by crime under $5,000.
He was taken into custody.
The University of Winnipeg has since moved its computers from the library location and it is "strengthening the security of the remaining computer units," the spokesperson said, adding that the laptops have their data wiped at the end of each day.