Alberta RCMP have uncovered what they describe as a “chop shop” operation in Athabasca County, where stolen vehicles were allegedly being prepared for resale. The investigation came to light after a tip-off revealed a GPS device, attached to one of the stolen items, located it at a rural property. When officers executed a search warrant, they found an array of stolen goods including two semi-trucks, six semi-trailers, off-road vehicles, holiday trailers, and various pieces of heavy machinery—collectively valued at millions of dollars.
Staff Sgt. Mark Hall shared with reporters the substantial scale of the operation, emphasizing its unexpected nature and its impact on the local community. The discovery has highlighted ongoing concerns about property crime in rural Alberta, with residents expressing frustration over the prevalent issue.
The police have charged a 36-year-old man from Athabasca, Kyle Cushing, with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and altering vehicle identification numbers. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 27. Hall emphasized the importance of property owners using tracking devices to aid law enforcement in recovering stolen items. The investigation continues as police look into the operation’s duration and scope.
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