A four-month project targeting break-ins to storage lockers has led to charges against four individuals for offences committed in multiple jurisdictions.

In September 2019, the Surrey RCMP Property Crime Target Team (PCTT) identified two individuals with alleged ties to property crime taking place in Surrey that involved stolen items being sold online. Further investigation indicated that the suspects may be connected to a larger property crime operation connected to break and enters. In February 2020, the team launched a project aimed at further investigating this property crime operation.

As the project continued, investigators identified multiple additional property crime suspects. These individuals are allegedly connected to break and enters into storage lockers at various facilities throughout the Lower Mainland, Kelowna and Calgary. The estimated value of stolen items was in excess of $200,000.

On June 19, 15 charges were laid against Philip Sprentzel, Austin Jones, and Magdalena Toner, for offences related to the break-ins that occurred in Surrey, Langley and Hope. Additionally, as a part of the joint investigation with the Calgary Police Service, a total of 25 charges were laid against Sarah Griffin, Philip Sprentzel, and Austin Jones, for offences committed in Calgary.

“This was complex investigation that required the collaboration of police agencies in multiple jurisdictions including our partners in Calgary,” said Staff-Sgt. Ryan Element, acting Proactive Enforcement Officer. “We are pleased that the hard work of the officers has resulted in a large quantity of stolen property being recovered and charges being laid.”

While charges have been laid, the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or, if they wish to make an anonymous report, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.