Winnipeg Man Charged in $500K Rooftop HVAC Metal Theft
A 35-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged after allegedly stealing metal from 14 rooftop HVAC units across the city, causing an estimated $500,000 in damage. Police say he sold the stolen metal to scrap yards at least 28 times between January and March 2026. The man faces multiple charges, including theft, mischief, and possession of stolen property, as well as outstanding warrants for assault and threats.
Rochelle Silver
A 35-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged after police say he stole metal from 14 rooftop HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) units across the city and sold it to local scrap yards, causing an estimated $500,000 in damage.
According to the Winnipeg Police Service, the thefts occurred between January and March 2026. Investigators say the suspect visited scrap facilities at least 28 times to sell the stolen metal, demonstrating a deliberate and organized pattern of criminal activity.
Police arrested the man in St. Andrews and handed him over to the Winnipeg property crime unit. He now faces multiple charges, including:
- Theft over and under $5,000
- Mischief over and under $5,000
- Possession of stolen property
In addition to these charges, police say there are three outstanding warrants against him for assault by choking, uttering threats, and failure to comply with a court order.
Authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity, particularly around commercial buildings with rooftop units, as thefts like this can cause significant financial losses and disruption to businesses.
This case highlights the growing trend of metal theft in Winnipeg, which targets HVAC systems, construction sites, and other areas with high-value scrap materials. Police say community awareness and timely reporting are critical to preventing similar incidents.
