A 38-year-old man of no fixed address is currently wanted by Burnaby Mounties on fraud charges following an investigation into a string of identity thefts.
According to Burnaby RCMP, the department’s community response team began an investigation earlier this year into a string of identity thefts, which were taking place in Burnaby and across the Lower Mainland. In May, the team received a complaint that a suspicious purchase had been made at a computer store at Metrotown mall. Police allege the suspect purchased several iPhones with someone else’s credit card and then used another credit card to rent a car.
Over the course of the investigation, officers determined that three individuals were committing the offences, which were reported in Burnaby, Richmond, New West, Langley and Squamish, according to a release from the Burnaby RCMP.
Eventually, the investigation led police to a home in Squamish. A search warrant was executed, and police seized about 200 stolen credit cards, B.C. drivers’ licences, cheques, wills, firearm licences, immigration papers and utility documents.
Investigators believe the items were stolen from homes and mailboxes, the release added.
Shawn Lundrigan, 33, and Kimberly McSweeney, 22, both Squamish residents, were arrested and released until their next court appearance in Vancouver court on Sept. 18. Both accused are facing multiple charges, including identity theft, possession of stolen property under $5,000, and personation with intent to avoid arrest.
A third suspect remains at large. Paul Hebert, 38, of no fixed address is wanted by the Burnaby RCMP on one count of identity theft and two counts of fraud.
Hebert also goes by Michel Hebert and Robert Moore, according to Court Services Online.
Anyone who sees Hebert or knows where he is is asked to call the nearest police department or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Burnaby RCMP is also reminding residents to be vigilant in checking bank and credit card statements, and to be sure to protect mail that contains personal information.
