Multi-million dollar “chop shop” operation busted by RCMP in Athabasca

Athabasca RCMP have laid charges after busting a chop shop operation that had millions of dollars in value in stolen property.

A “substantial quantity” of stolen property, including multiple stolen vehicles, semi-trucks, trailers, off-road vehicles such as quads, and other heavy equipment and parts have all been seized by authorities. 

On Dec. 29, 2024, Athabasca RCMP received a report from a member of the public that their vehicle had been stolen.

The vehicle’s GPS tracking system indicated that it was located at a rural property, located on Township Road 670.

Officers from Athabasca RCMP, K Division Auto Theft Unit, Eastern Alberta District (EAD) Crime Reduction Unit, and EAD General Investigations Section attended the property, and during their investigation and subsequent search warrant discovered the “chop shop.” 

This is where stolen vehicles and equipment are dismantled and repurposed for illegal resale. 

Kyle Cushing, a 36-year-old resident of Athabasca, has been charged with the following offences:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
• Alter/destroy/remove a Vehicle Identification Number

 Cushing was taken before a Justice of the Peace and was released with conditions.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 27, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Athabasca. 

‘Meticulous investigation’

“The successful recovery of millions of dollars worth of stolen property, including semi-trucks, trailers, RV’s, and construction and oilfield equipment, highlights the critical role of community collaboration in combating property crime.” said S/Sgt. Mark Hall, Athabasca RCMP Detachment Commander.

“Thanks to the diligence of a vigilant property owner who tracked their missing equipment and the meticulous investigation by the Athabasca RCMP members, we were able to uncover and recover this significant cache of stolen assets. This operation serves as a powerful example of how community members and law enforcement working together can achieve remarkable results in protecting property and holding offenders accountable.”

The RCMP would like to share the following tips that can aid in decreasing the risk of becoming a victim of property crime.

• Store valuables out of sight and in secure locations
• Secure vehicles and equipment with high-quality locks and immobilizers
• Use GPS tracking devices on vehicles and heavy equipment
• Install proper lighting and surveillance cameras on properties
• Regularly document and photograph property, including serial numbers and other unique identifiers.

If you have any information regarding property crime within the area of Athabasca please contact Athabasca RCMP at 780-675-4252. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.