Edmonton police recover stolen motorcycles, dirt bikes and ATVs worth $50K

Peter Fryer. (Supplied)

Edmonton police have recovered $50,000 worth of stolen motorcycles, dirt bikes and ATVs.

The investigation began in April when officers found a stolen trailer with a tampered vehicle identification number (VIN) in west Edmonton.

During a search warrant in May, police found the stolen property, which also had defaced or altered VINs.

The tactic is known as re-vinning to disguise stolen property for resale, police said.

Peter Fryer, 68, was arrested on May 26. He faces a number of charges related to stolen property and VIN tampering.

“We recognize that some people may have unknowingly purchased vehicles or trailers they believed were legitimate, when in fact they were stolen and re-vinned. Those individuals are victims in this as well,” Const. Kailyn Bellmond said. “If you’ve had any dealings with this individual, we encourage you to come forward.”

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Edmonton 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.