Tow trucks seized and two arrested in vehicle-theft spree

Winnipeg police have arrested two people and seized two tow trucks believed to be connected to vehicle thefts in Transcona.

Property crimes investigators are still looking into the thefts, police said Wednesday, and expect to release more information soon. It was not immediately clear on Wednesday how many such thefts have been reported.

Tiffany and Jason Schritt, whose 2003 Ford F-150 was stolen by someone driving a tow truck last week, are among the apparent victims.

“We were shocked — it took us both aback,” said Tiffany Schritt, 48. “We were really surprised that something like this would happen.”

Her husband got home from work on the evening of July 11 and asked her where their truck was parked.

“He thought I had brought the truck around to the back of the house — then realized it wasn’t there and it wasn’t out front,” said Schritt.

The couple looked at their surveillance camera footage and were shocked to see a tow truck driving away with their vehicle.

The camera captured a tow truck driving past their house at around 3:30 a.m. It drove out of view before it or another tow truck returned a couple of minutes later. It hooked up their Ford and drove off with it.

They posted the footage online and spoke to the media, and their friends and acquaintances about it.

“They’ve said, ‘You would never, ever think to question a tow truck, because they’re usually out doing their job, doing (repossessions) or following tow orders from the city,’” said Schritt. “You would never think it’s because they’re trying to steal a vehicle.”

In the 13 years she’s lived in Transcona, she has experienced only minor issues, such as someone rummaging through their vehicles when they were unlocked.

“To have an actual vehicle stolen was just unheard of,” Schritt said. “It’s a good community — people usually have each other’s backs — so it was really disturbing.”

She’s heard from other residents who’ve reported their vehicles stolen in recent days, said Schritt.

“Coming together like that, to keep our community safe, is important,” she said, advising people to get surveillance cameras. “Cameras helped get these people arrested.”

Schritt said she had not yet spoken with police following the announcement of the arrests on Wednesday. There was no word on whether their truck has been recovered.

The truck was a gift from her husband’s now-deceased grandmother and has sentimental value, said Schritt.

“We’re really just hopeful that the truck gets returned in working order,” said Schritt. “I hope they find it.”

Bison Towing director Zakria Shoaib said the thefts sully the work of reputable players in the local industry.

“It’s very unfortunate, it makes the industry look pretty bad,” said Shoaib.

He said towing firms and operators try their best to assist people.

“The basic principle is to help people out, when people are stuck or have broken cars, you’re helping them out,” said Shoaib.

“We really hope whoever is responsible for this is held accountable,” he said.

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca