Prolific retail theft suspect arrested by Property Crime Unit: C25-291489

Information contained in our media releases may relate to issues of violence or trauma, which could be distressing for some individuals. Be mindful of your well-being and consider whether or not engaging with this content is appropriate for you.

On December 3, 2025, members of the Property Crime Unit proactively patrolling the area of Regent Avenue West were notified that a man, wanted in relation to a string of retail theft incidents, had entered a business from which he had stolen from on numerous prior occasions. As investigators arrived, they observed him drive away from the parking lot in a 2008 Dodge Avenger and conducted a traffic stop. He was arrested without incident.

Through their investigations, the Property Crime Unit linked 33-year-old Bretton James TOWLE to the following incidents:

• September 7: A man entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and stole an extension cord valued at $199.
• September 10: A man entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and stole a roll of wire valued at $1,255.
• September 11: A man entered a retail store in the 1600 block of Kenaston Boulevard and stole a roll of wire valued at $575.
• September 11: A man entered a retail store in the 1900 block of Abinojii Mikanah and stole a cordless speaker valued at $169.
• September 12: A man entered a retail store in the 1600 block of Kenaston Boulevard and stole a circular saw valued at $65.
• September 12: A man entered a retail store in the 1900 block of Abinojii Mikanah and stole a cordless driver kit valued at $118.
• September 21: A man entered a retail store in the 1900 block of Abinojii Mikanah and stole an air inflator valued at $168.
• September 21: A man entered a retail store in the 1600 block of Kenaston Boulevard and attempted to steal a table saw valued at $428. He left without the merchandise when he was approached by an employee.
• September 21: A man entered a retail store in the 700 block of Empress Street and stole a mechanic tool set valued at $198.
• September 21: A man entered a retail store in the 700 block of Empress Street and stole a cordless blower valued at $199.
• September 21: A man entered a retail store in the 1900 block of Abinojii Mikanah and stole a gas mower valued at $629.
• September 29: A man entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and stole a bucket of roof coating material valued at $585.
• September 29: A man entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and stole a roll of polyethylene pipe valued at $167.
• September 30: A man entered a retail store in the 1900 block of Abinojii Mikanah and stole a pre-hung door valued at $798.
• October 3: A man entered a retail store in the 1900 block of Abinojii Mikanah and stole a roll of conduit valued at $136.
• October 4: A man entered a retail store in the 1900 block of Abinojii Mikanah and stole a roll of conduit valued at $136.
• October 4: A man entered a retail store in the 1900 block of Abinojii Mikanah and stole a pack of snipping tools valued at $70.
• October 12: A man entered a retail store in the 1900 block of Abinojii Mikanah and stole an air diffuser valued at $17.
• October 18: A man entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and stole a Christmas tree and ornaments valued at $525.
• October 22: A man entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and stole a closet organization system valued at $128.
• October 22: A man entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and stole six boxes of flooring valued at $1,460.
• October 23: A man entered a retail store in the 1900 block of Abinojii Mikanah and stole a package of cloth valued at $25.
• October 23: A man entered a retail store in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West and stole two boxes of ceiling tile material valued at $300.
• October 24: A man entered a retail store in the 1900 block of Abinojii Mikanah and stole six boxes of flooring valued at $1,460.

In all the above-mentioned incidents, merchandise was stolen by scanning items of much lesser value through self-checkout terminals. All incidents were captured on retailers' security cameras and reported to police. The total loss incurred by the retailers is estimated at over $10,000.

As a result of the investigations by the Property Crime Unit, four warrants of were issued for TOWLE's arrest.

On December 3, Property Crime Unit investigators arrested TOWLE and seized four knives, approximately 23 grams of what is believed to be methamphetamine (Estimated Street Value = $1,100), and the Dodge Avenger he was driving.

TOWLE is charged with Possession of a Weapon, Unauthorized Possession of an Unauthorized or Restricted Weapon, Possession of a Scheduled Substance, and Theft Over $5,000.

In addition, TOWLE was arrested on the strength of six warrants of arrest including two from outside agencies (Selkirk RCMP and Oakbank RCMP). TOWLE was also issued two Provincial Offence Act notices for driving without a valid driver's license.

TOWLE was detained in custody awaiting further disposition.