Tip leads to recovery of big ticket equipment allegedly stolen in Edmonton

May 2, 2013– Several charges were laid in March against two people who allegedly
spent three to four years stealing heavy equipment from construction sites,
businesses and private property in and around Edmonton.

Investigators say they have recovered more than $840,000 worth of equipment
after a four-month investigation into the alleged thefts that took place
between 2009 and 2012. An investigation started last October after a tip about
a skid-steer valued at $65,000 that disappeared from a job site. The machine
was located, two suspects were arrested and subsequent searches led to the
discovery of several other pieces of stolen equipment around the city.

Jose Barbosa, who is 37, and Jason Krawchuk, age 21, are facing several charges
and police say more are pending.

The recovered property is being returned to the rightful owners and
investigators believe there may be other stolen equipment or vehicles that may
have been sold to unsuspecting buyers.