Steinbach RCMP recently apprehended 43-year-old John David Lemke after two Canada wide warrants were issued for his arrest.
Police say that John Lemke, a Winnipeg resident, had been attending the City of Steinbach and surrounding communities to commit a high number of property related crimes between the beginning of February and the end of March of 2019.
Steinbach RCMP have charged John Lemke with 75 criminal offences that include several motor vehicle thefts, possessing property obtained by crime, arson, frauds and identity thefts.
During the course of the investigation, RCMP executed two search warrants and seized approximately $75,000 worth of stolen property (excluding recovered vehicles).
RCMP report that Lemke fled Manitoba to avoid being caught by the police.
Steinbach RCMP worked closely with various RCMP Detachments and law enforcement agencies from across Western Canada in order to have him arrested, and to assist with several more criminal investigations as he traveled west. Lemke was located by the RCMP in Surrey BC and transported back to Manitoba in order to appear in Provincial Court. He is currently being held in custody.
RCMP remind the public to not leave keys, wallets or other valuable items inside of vehicles, and to adequately secure houses, garages and vehicles.
