Edmonton police have charged a 68-year-old man after recovering approximately $50,000 in stolen vehicles, following an investigation that began with a suspicious trailer sale.
Stolen Trailer Listed Online
In April 2026, a stolen trailer was advertised for sale on an online marketplace in Edmonton's west end. Police determined that its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) had been tampered with, according to a news release issued Thursday.
That discovery led investigators to execute a search warrant in May, where they uncovered multiple stolen vehicles, including trailers, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles. Many of these items had their VINs defaced or altered.
Charges Laid
On May 26, Edmonton police arrested Peter Fryer, 68. He faces charges including two counts of possession of stolen property, two counts of tampering with a VIN, trafficking stolen property over $5,000, uttering a forged document, and fraud.
Police believe Fryer may have used online marketplaces and fraudulent documentation to sell stolen vehicles and trailers, sometimes operating through legitimate businesses.
Warning to Buyers
Const. Kailyn Bellmond said in the release: 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.
Police recommend that anyone purchasing a second-hand vehicle or other large-ticket item use one of the EPS Buy and Sell Exchange Zones to ensure safe transactions.
Appeal for Information
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact police at 780-423-4567. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers.
