A 37-year-old Medicine Hat man has been arrested after a Medicine Hat Police Service investigation dismantled a fraud and stolen property operation being perpetrated throughout southern Alberta and southwest Saskatchewan. More than $30,000 worth of property has been seized.

The six-week investigation concluded on November 7, 2019, when Medicine Hat Police Service Priority Street Crimes Unit investigators took the suspect into custody. Subsequently, numerous items were recovered consisting largely of DVD box sets and action figure toys unlawfully obtained from big box retailers throughout Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. Investigators allege that the accused obtained the items from the retailers by fraudulent means for a fraction of their retail price with the intention of selling them for profit.

Charles Dale Glasier is alleged to have committed numerous fraudulent transactions. He has been charged with one global count of fraud over $5,000 and possession of stolen property over $5,000. Glasier is held in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

In 2017, the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre estimated that the total value of fraud reported by Canadian businesses was over $30 million, an alarming increase of 78% from the previous year. According to the Retail Council of Canada, retailers lose up to $3 billion a year or $8 million a day due to theft and shoplifting alone. Credit card and debit card fraud, robbery, break and enter and counterfeit currency are other retail crimes that significantly affect retail sales, consumer costs, and the safety of employees and customers.

Members of the public are reminded that anytime criminal activity is observed contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 -222-8477 (TIPS). Tips may also be submitted (anonymously if preferred) through the MHPS Mobile App, which is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: S/Sgt Cory Both will be available for interviews in the MHPS Community Boardroom at 2:15 PM on November 8, 2019 with the seized property on display.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Cory Both
Community Safety Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1056