Two Squamish residents face multiple charges for their alleged part in a “significant” identity theft ring.
Burnaby RCMP arrested Shawn Lundrigan, 33, and Kimberly McSweeney, 22, after a large-scale multi-jurisdictional fraud investigation led officers to a home in the 38000 block of Hemlock Avenue. In July, a search warrant was issued and police seized approximately 200 identity forms, including credit cards, B.C. driver’s licences, B.C. photo identity cards, cheques, wills, firearm licences, immigration papers and utility documents. The two now face multiple counts of fraud and identity theft. The allegations have not been heard in court.
A third suspect remains at large. Paul Hebert, 38, of no fixed address, is wanted by the Burnaby RCMP for one count of identity theft and two counts of fraud. Police are asking for the public’s help to track down the suspect. They’re requesting people who may know his whereabouts to call the nearest police department or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Burnaby RCMP are still tallying the total price tag the alleged suspects charged on other people’s accounts.
The detachment’s Community Response Team launched the fraud investigation last May. At the time, the team received a complaint about a suspicious purchase at a computer store in the Metrotown Mall.
“It’s alleged that one of the suspects purchased iPhones with someone’s credit card and then rented a vehicle with yet another identity,” stated the RCMP’s press release.
The thefts are believed to have been committed in Burnaby, Richmond, New Westminster, Langley and Squamish. Squamish RCMP detectives assisted in the operations, Squamish RCMP Sgt. Wayne Pride said.
“We know this crew quite well,” he said.
At the residence, Squamish officers were able to retrieve stolen items related to other local investigations.
Burnaby RCMP is encouraging the public to be vigilant about checking credit card histories and bank statements.
The Burnaby detachment expressed gratitude for the assistance of the Squamish RCMP and Canada Post during this investigation.
