Calgary auto theft investigation nets 168 charges, 74 stolen vehicles

Calgary police have laid 168 criminal charges and recovered 74 stolen vehicles in a crackdown on organized auto theft.

The total value of the recovered vehicles is estimated at $1.9million.

The operation which began in February targeted a small group of individuals believed responsible for many of the auto thefts Calgary.

"The group was working closely together and is suspected of selling stolen vehicles for a profit, or using them as transportation to commit other more serious crimes," said police in a release.

4 peoplecharged

Four people have been charged in the investigation:

• 30-year-old Calgary man charged with 19 counts of breaching a court order, one count of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of the proceeds of crime.
• 34-year-old Calgary man wanted on warrants forone count of possession of stolen property over $5,000 and one count of trafficking stolen property over $5,000.
• 31-year-old Calgary mancharged with 13 counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, nine counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, six counts of theft of a motor vehicle, three counts of driving without insurance, one count of taking a motor vehicle without consent, one count of theft over $5,000 and one count of property damage over $5,000.
• 25-year-old Calgary womancharged with one count of possession of stolen property over $5,000 and one count of possession of stolen property under $5,000.

$1.9M in stolen vehicles recovered

Police say auto thefts dropped by almost 40 vehicles a weekafter just two people were arrested early in the investigation.

"The recovered vehicles were a variety of makes and models, however police also found more unusual vehicles such as skid steer loaders, snowmobiles, ATVs and utility trailers," said police."Hundreds of vehicle keys and over 30 stolen licence plates were also found."

Police also seized a variety of drugs, $12,700 in stolen goods,a rifle and a handgun.

Calgariansare being asked by policeto make sure you lock all vehicles andgarage and house doors, even if you are nearby or only leaving for a short period of time.