Winnipeg police raid full “bicycle chop-shop” at homeless encampment

Winnipeg police busted a fully-fledged “bicycle chop-shop” in the midst of a homeless encampment during an investigation into the illegal site.

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Winnipeg police busted a fully-fledged “bicycle chop-shop” in the midst of a homeless encampment during an investigation into the illegal site.

Authorities recovered a stockpile of stolen property as a result of the search.

Winnipeg Police Service’s Insp. Helen Peters made the public announcement on Thursday afternoon in front of the bike path where the search of the homeless encampment “structure” took place.

Police respected occupants' privacy and obtained a search warrant before inspecting the illegal, temporary structure.

Upon execution of their admittedly novel and unique search warrant, Winnipeg Police Service said they discovered 50 bicycle frames, 77 bicycle tires, 53 bicycle tire rims, along with a gas generator, a lawnmower and a wheelchair.

Peters confirmed three people occupying the "structure" were arrested on suspicion of being "in possession of stolen property." She did not confirm age, gender, custody status or if any charges were laid.

When asked what the "structure" consisted of, Peters said it was a "wooden structure" with multiple tents. During the Wednesday afternoon news conference, Peters repeatedly referred to it as a sprawling "facility."

Asked about the fate of the "structure" itself, Peters confirmed it would remain, and the suspects would be free to return.