“If it wasn’t nailed down, they stole it. … They had hundreds and hundreds of items.”
Calgary cops busted one of the largest chop-shop operations in the city’s recent history in the southeast on the weekend, resulting in numerous charges against two men.
Police recovered more than $500,000 in various stolen property located in the 3000 block of Shepard Place S.E., and also uncovered hazardous and chemical waste improperly disposed of at the site.
Sgt. Steve Kelly said the bust was one of the biggest of his career.
“If it wasn’t nailed down, they stole it. They had everything from personal and commercial vehicles to ATVs and ski machines. They had hundreds and hundreds of items,” Kelly told Metro.
Police also said the owner of the property was surprised to hear about chemical and hazardous waste found on site.
“There was a lot of chemical damage and waste lying around. There were some environmental problems that are being investigated and, as a result, probably another 20 to 30 charges.”
Royce Clinton Coulter, 53, of Calgary, has been charged with five counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, one count of possession of stolen credit card and one count of fraud.
James Franklin Morgan, 37, of Calgary is charged with four counts of theft over $5,000 and one count of theft under $5,000.
