Steinbach's RCMP Staff Sergeant is crediting their GIS unit in the arrest of a man from Hanover, wanted in connection to a string of robberies, arson, theft and assaults committed over the last two months.

On Friday, we broke the story that RCMP had arrested 21-year-old Tobias Renz for his alleged involvement in a series of crimes beginning December 5th in Steinbach and culminating on January 14th.

ourse of two days. On December 13th, a Honda Civic was stolen in Steinbach. A short time later, gas, cigarettes and food items were stolen from the gas station in Mitchell. Two days later, gas stations were robbed in Lorette and Tourond, and businesses in Winnipeg and Deacon's Corner were also targeted.

"We realized pretty quickly the same vehicle was being used," notes White. "There's a lot of connecting factors in each occurrence and we were able to put it all together pretty quick."

White says thanks to business surveillance cameras they were able to visually identify the person they felt was responsible for the crimes.

The suspect had used an airsoft weapon in at least two of the robberies. White admits there was a concern for public safety. He notes they were extra cautious the following days, just to see if there would be any repeat offenses. White says even though they had a strong feeling that they knew who had committed the crimes, they needed a little more time and on January 14th it all came together.

"We were prepared to go make an arrest and just so happened there was a disturbance where this person was residing," reports White. "We were able to safely arrest our target. No one was injured, so that's good news."

Staff Sergeant Harold Laninga says this was a multifaceted investigation involving multiple agencies and communities. That list includes Steinbach RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS), Springfield Police Service, Oakbank RCMP, St. Pierre RCMP, East District CREST (Crime Reduction and Enforcement Support Team) and the Major Crimes Unit of the Winnipeg Police Service.

Laninga says during the course of the investigation they hosted a meeting in Steinbach with these agencies. But, the investigation itself was coordinated by Steinbach's GIS unit, which oversaw the entire operation.

"We're very fortunate to have our GIS unit," notes Laninga. "The city of Steinbach I believe had the foresight to fund it and recognize that crime does affect multiple areas and often touches Steinbach. And in this case, someone from the RM of Hanover impacting Steinbach and Oakbank and the city of Winnipeg."

He adds all those involved did an amazing job of putting this all together.

According to White, it is unclear what sort of a sentence could be handed down. He notes it could be extensive jail time, though ultimately it will be up to the judge to decide.

"All the police officers that show up to the calls, they did their job," he says. "The witnesses were very good, the business people were very good, it all helps piece everything together."