Surrey RCMP has arrested two property thieves that are alleged to be responsible for $130,000 in stolen merchandise from across the Lower Mainland.
Earlier this month, Surrey RCMP received information that a man and woman were selling large quantities of new merchandise at half the retail value through an online classifieds website. The Surrey RCMP’s Property Crime Target Team (PCTT) led the investigation in partnership with several retail chains that had been victimized.
The investigation revealed that the pair was allegedly stealing high demand items, storing them, and then selling and shipping them to online buyers. Officers used search warrants to search a car, residence and storage locker, which together netted a total of $130,000 in stolen merchandise. When both parties were arrested by police, the man attempted to flee on foot and assaulted one of the officers.
Recognize this pair? Allegedly responsible for over 130K in stolen merchandise across the region. Have info? Call us https://t.co/u25kxnwUVP pic.twitter.com/O2pCwdyp2K
— Surrey RCMP (@SurreyRCMP) March 23, 2017
Both Alan SMITH, 30 years old of Surrey, and Kimberly GASCON, 27 years old of Mission, have been charged with the following: Theft Under $5000 x 5; Trafficking Property Obtained By Crime; Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000. SMITH is also charged with Assault Police Officer and Resisting Arrest. GASCON was released from court on bail with strict conditions. SMITH remains in custody on these matters.
After itemizing all of the seized merchandise, investigators have been unable to identify all of the businesses that were victimized. In order to further the investigation, police are releasing the pictures of the co-accused to assist potential victims who may have been victimized by the pair.
SMITH is described as 6’1 tall, 170 lbs, with brown eyes and brown hair. GASCON is described as 5’2 tall, 155 lbs, with brown eyes and brown hair and three butterfly tattoos on her upper left arm. (Please see attached photos.)
Thanks to our partners in the community, this duo’s crime spree was brought to a halt by fast acting officers, say Corporal Scotty Schumann. This investigation led officers across the Lower Mainland and these arrests will no doubt save retailers huge sums of revenue in the future. If you recognize either of these persons please contact the Surrey RCMP.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.
