Athabasca ‘chop shop’ bust yields millions in stolen vehicles, heavy equipment: RCMP

Millions in stolen property was found at a chop shop in Athabasca. CTV News Edmonton's Miriam Valdes-Carletti has more.

RCMP have made what they call a “major recovery” of stolen property in Athabasca.

Estimated to be worth millions of dollars, the stolen vehicles and equipment were found at a rural property on Township Road 670.

Officers were led there on Dec. 29 by a victim who had tracked their own stolen vehicle to the area using GPS.

“Thanks to the diligence of a vigilant property owner who tracked their missing equipment and the meticulous investigation by the Athabasca RCMP members, we were able to uncover and recover this significant cache of stolen assets,” said RCMP Staff Sgt. Mark Hall.

“Without the help from the tip from this individual, this investigation might not have been possible.

During the investigation, RCMP found multiple vehicles, off-road vehicles, heavy equipment and parts. That includes two semi trucks, six semi trailers, quads and five holiday trailers.

RCMP believe the property was being used as a “chop shop” to dismantle stolen vehicles for illegal resale.

Hall said it’s the largest operation of its kind the Athabasca detachment has seen.

“These are big-ticket items worth a lot of money and valuable to a lot of people here, so it was definitely eye-opening here to find that in our community,” Hall said.

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A 36-year-old Fort McMurray man was arrested. He has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, as well as altering, destroying or removing a Vehicle Identification Number.

He was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Athabasca on Jan. 27.

While it’s unknown exactly how long the chop shop has been active, Hall said it appears to have been “quite some time.”

He said it’s still unclear how many other people may be involved.

RCMP said property owners can help prevent theft, such as using GPS trackers, installing lighting and security cameras on property and securing vehicles with high-quality locks and immobilizers.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Miriam Valdes-Carletti