Four people have been arrested in connection with a string of thefts in Lethbridge. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Four charged in organized thefts in Lethbridge

Dec 18, 2025 | 2:46 PM

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has apprehended a group of people believed to have committed a series of thefts.

On Thursday, Dec. 11, members of the Downtown Policing Unit were called to Mark’s Work Warehouse on the 1200 block of 2A Avenue North on a report of a theft in progress.

Officers stopped the vehicle that a suspect was seen entering and conducted a traffic stop.

A male driver and one male occupant were arrested on scene. LPS claims to have found a large quantity of new clothing, meat, electronics, and other items in the back seat.

Police claim that the 62-year-old driver had been paid to drive the 55-year-old passenger to various stores on Dec. 11, and had done the same on previous occasions.

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During some of the excursions, a 41-year-old man and a 38-year-old man allegedly accompanied the 55-year-old.

After visiting each store, the suspects would reportedly return to the vehicle with various items.

By the end of the day, LPS says it seized stolen property that was taken from six stores, totalling nearly $1,800.

In reviewing surveillance footage from the stores, police say the 41-year-old man and the 38-year-old man had been seen committing offences at three of the businesses.

“In those cases, the male is observed pushing the female in a wheelchair, which the pair used to conceal items before leaving the stores without paying,” reads a news release from LPS.

The man and woman were not located with the other suspects, but warrants were issued for their arrests.

Jason John Giroux, 55, of Lethbridge, is charged with four counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, one count of theft under $5,000, and one count of mischief under $5,000 (for damaging clothing while attempting to remove a tag).

Mervin William Sauerberg, 62, of Lethbridge, is charged with five counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000.

Giroux and Sauerberg were released from custody with conditions of no contact with each other and prohibitions from attending the victimized businesses. Both are scheduled to appear in court February 11, 2026.

Then on Wednesday, Dec. 17, officers located the 41-year-old man reportedly operating a stolen truck. He was arrested without incident.

A search warrant was executed at the man’s home on the west side. LPS says it confiscated stolen property, including a bicycle, an electric bike, a large quantity of tools, identity documents, and small quantities of fentanyl, meth, and cocaine.

The 38-year-old woman was arrested at the scene.

Branden Myles James Bellerose, 41, of Lethbridge, is charged with three counts of theft under $5,000 stemming from the organized thefts, as well as three counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000 and possession of identity documents. Bellerose is currently in custody.

Tiffany Anne Kootenhayoo, 38, of Lethbridge, is charged with three counts of theft under $5,000 stemming from the organized thefts, four counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, and one count of possession of identity documents. Kootenhayoo has been released from custody with conditions. She is scheduled to appear in court February 18, 2026.