CPS Alert: Retail Crime Spree Ends in Arrests

CALGARY — Two men are facing a stack of charges after cops say they hit nine stores across the city, walking out with over $50,000 in merchandise and leaving a trail of busted locks and shattered glass in their wake.

Jordan ASSELIN, 36, and Dustin WOOD, 45, weren't subtle about it. Fragrances. Electronics. Trading cards. If it could be fenced, it got grabbed. Now they're staring down multiple counts of breaking and entering, mischief, and—because apparently they dressed for the occasion—disguise with intent to commit a crime.

The Haul

Calgary Police Service investigators kicked down doors on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, hitting addresses in the 0 to 100 block of Homestead Park N.E. and the 1500 block of 10 Avenue S.E., plus a vehicle tied to the pair. What they found: more than 100 sealed fragrances, electronics, trading cards, and a small arsenal of tools and disguises that screamed "professional job."

The victims? Sephora, Best Buy, and Shoppers Drug Mart locations. The kind of places where security footage catches everything—and in this case, apparently did.

The Bigger Picture

This isn't an isolated spree. Commercial break-ins in Calgary jumped by double digits last year, according to the CPS Q3 2025 Statistical Report. Chief Constable Mark Neufeld called repeat offenders and organized retail crime a top priority back in October 2025, and this bust looks like proof the heat is on.

Inspector Colleen Bowers of District 7 didn't mince words: "Two prolific criminals are off the streets."

The arrests echo "Operation Pinpoint" from May 2025, when three suspects got nabbed for over 20 commercial break-ins. Same script, different cast.

Follow the Money

Here's the kicker: while the Retail Council of Canada has been pounding the table for stronger action against retail crime—citing mounting losses for businesses—Premier Danielle Smith's government didn't throw any new cash at municipal police forces in 2025 to fight it. That means operations like this one come out of CPS's existing budget, which topped $500 million in the city's 2023-2026 plans.

So cops are left playing whack-a-mole with the resources they've got.

What Happens Next

The case (CA25503059/5471/4320) moves to the Calgary Courts Centre for bail hearings and trial. Anyone with tips can call CPS at 403-266-1234 or drop an anonymous line to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.