Winnipeg police say man charged after woman extorted for return of stolen cat

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WINNIPEG - A man has been charged after Winnipeg police say a woman's cat was stolen and the thief — her neighbour — demanded money in a letter for the pet's safe return.

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WINNIPEG – A man has been charged after Winnipeg police say a woman’s cat was stolen and the thief — her neighbour — demanded money in a letter for the pet’s safe return.

Winnipeg police say a 44-year-old woman reported her cat missing on Tuesday.

She told police that she suspected that the 72-year-old man living next door was behind the theft.

A Winnipeg Police Service shoulder badge is seen on Sept. 2, 2021 at the Public Information Office in Winnipeg. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski
A Winnipeg Police Service shoulder badge is seen on Sept. 2, 2021 at the Public Information Office in Winnipeg. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski

Police say they later learned that the neighbour told the victim that he had the cat and delivered a letter demanding money in exchange for its return. 

Two days later, investigators went to a home next to the woman’s and found the cat.

The cat is back with the woman now and police say a man has been charged with extortion and theft.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2026.

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