Calgary seniors charged with selling stolen goods at Hillhurst flea market
Calgary police have charged a pair of seniors with allegedly selling stolen goods at a local swap meet.
Police say they received a tip in late October about a vendor at a northwest flea market located at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association.
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After visiting the flea market, investigators searched a nearby home and van and discovered more than $50,000 in stolen clothing, camping equipment and toiletries.
A 75-year-old woman and 69-year-old man have been charged with possession of stolen property for the purpose of trafficking. They are both expected to appear in court in early December.
Const. Lara Sampson, with the Calgary Police Service's organized retail crime team, said they believe the goods were likely shoplifted from local shops.
"Were they the ones actually stealing the product to begin with? We haven't been able to determine that," said Sampson.
She said this form of crime is a growing problem in Canada.
"Often money raised through this type of activity is to fund more serious crimes. such as drugs and purchasing weapons," Sampson said.
Sampson adds that Calgarians can help prevent these more serious crimes by avoiding purchasing stolen goods.
Police say anyone with information about stolen goods should call Crime Stoppers.
