Suspect in ‘prolific’ shoplifting spree behind bars: WPS

Winnipeg police have arrested another “prolific” shoplifter, after investigators linked a suspect to more than two dozen thefts spanning roughly six months and totalling more than $5,000 in losses for Winnipeg retailers.

The Winnipeg Police Service announced the arrest in a news release Wednesday, saying officers launched an investigation in November in response to a string of retail thefts.

Police say the thefts occurred on the following dates and locations:

• Between Aug. 30 and Dec. 8, 2025: A man entered a retail store on the 600 block of Osborne Street two times and stole items valued at $260.
• Between Sept. 13, 2025 and Jan. 5, 2026: A man entered a retail store on the 1600 block of Ness Avenue 12 times and stole items valued at $3,400.
• Between Nov. 25, 2025 and Jan. 15, 2026: A man entered a retail store on the 500 block of Mountain Avenue seven times and stole items valued at $1,000.
• On Jan. 2, 2026: A man entered a retail store on the 1400 block of Henderson Highway and stole items valued at $200.
• On Jan. 10, 2026: A man entered a retail store on the 500 block of Mountain Avenue and stole a number of items of an undetermined value before physically assaulting a staff member and fleeing the area. The staff member was uninjured.

The spree ended on Jan. 19, when a man entered a retailer on the 2100 block of McPhillips Street and attempted to steal about $160 worth of goods. Special duty officers were working at the business at the time, and placed the suspect under arrest, WPS said.

All of the incidents were captured on security cameras and reported to police. Charles Frederick Moar, 46, was charged with robbery and 26 counts of theft under $5,000.

Moar has a record of convictions that dates back to 2001, when he was found guilty of a robbery committed in 2000, court records show. He’s also been convicted of more than a dozen court order breaches, assaults, obstructing a peace officer and thefts.