Two Men Charged After Series of Restaurant Break-Ins and Cash Register Thefts in Calgary

CALGARY – Two men are facing multiple criminal charges following a series of bold daytime thefts and break-ins that targeted several restaurants across Calgary earlier this month.

Police allege the incidents occurred on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, when two suspects entered a number of establishments during regular business hours, seized cash registers and quickly fled the scene. Investigators say the pair used a stolen white 2003 GMC Sierra as their getaway vehicle.

The businesses targeted that afternoon and evening include:

• Boyd’s Lobster Shop at 1515D 14th St. S.W., at approximately 4:25 p.m.
• One Love Caribbean Restaurant at 1510 Sixth St. S.W., at approximately 4:33 p.m.
• Oakberry Acai Bowls and Smoothies at 1002 17th Ave. S.W., at approximately 6:55 p.m.
• Villages Pizza at 3915 17th Ave. S.W., at approximately 7:32 p.m.

According to investigators, the suspects allegedly acted aggressively, grabbing entire cash registers before escaping in the stolen truck.

The investigation involved coordinated efforts from patrol officers in Districts 1, 2 and 4, along with the District 3 General Investigative Unit, the Break and Enter Team, the Canine Unit and the Auto Theft Team. Through shared intelligence and follow-up work, officers determined the same individuals were believed to be responsible for the string of thefts and related break-and-enter incidents.

Later that same day, police located and arrested two suspects at a residence in the community of South Calgary. The following day, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at a home in the 1700 block of 26th Avenue S.W., where evidence was seized to support the ongoing case.

As a result of the investigation, Michael Christopher Begg, 36, of Lethbridge, has been charged with one count of robbery, one count of possession of stolen property and three counts of theft under $5,000. He is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 26, 2026.

Matthew James Kelly, 43, of Calgary, faces one count of robbery, one count of possession of stolen property, five counts of breaching a release order and four counts of breaching a probation order. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 9, 2026.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges have not been ruled out.