RCMP East District GIS and Gander-Lewisporte District RCMP arrest pair in relation to string of thefts

October 9, 2026 - Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

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As a result of an ongoing investigation into rash of property crimes in Gander district, the RCMP East District General Investigation Section (GIS) and Gander-Lewisporte District RCMP arrested two repeat offenders on Wednesday. Christopher Brandon Lush, 31, and Patrick Oldford, 24, face a combined total of 44 Criminal Code charges, including breaking and entering, theft, fraud and possession of property obtained by crime. 

In early October, East District GIS and Gander-Lewisporte District RCMP launched an investigation into a recent series of break-ins, vehicle thefts and other property-related offences on the Eastport Peninsula and surrounding area. Investigators visited the impacted communities to collect evidence, and spoke with witnesses and victims while conducting proactive patrols. 

On Wednesday, October 7, with assistance from the public, police located a vehicle that had previously been reported stolen. Two men who had been seen with the vehicle were then located inside a nearby building and taken into custody. The investigation linked to the pair to at least two other stolen vehicles, and a number of other crimes in the area. 

The two men were identified as 31-year-old Christopher Brandon Lush and 24-year-old Patrick Oldford. The pair were held in custody overnight to appear in provincial court on Thursday. 

The investigation has also resulted in the location and recovery of vehicles and property taken during these crimes. 

Lush faces a total of 27 charges, including: 

• Possessing property obtained by crime – six counts
• Breaking and entering and committing an indictable offence – four counts
• Theft of a motor vehicle – three counts
• Theft over $5,000
• Fraud under $5,000 – two counts
• Fraud
• Possessing a stolen credit card – two counts
• Unlawful theft or forgery of a credit card
• Failure to comply with a probation order – seven counts

Oldford is charged with: 

• Breaking and entering and committing an indictable offence – four counts
• Possessing property obtained by crime – four counts
• Theft of a motor vehicle  - three counts
• Theft over $5,000 
• Fraud under $5,000 – four counts
• Possessing property obtained by crime - less than $5000 

Lush and Oldford will each make their next appearance in court today (October 9). 

This investigation remains active and further charges are expected.

Across Newfoundland and Labrador, our frontline police officers are working alongside specialized units, like our General Investigation Sections and Crime Reduction Unit East, to investigate and arrest repeat and prolific offenders. Many of these individuals are known to police and in their communities, and these enforcement activities play a key role in addressing repeat crime and enhancing public safety.

If you have information you would like to share with police, please contact your local RCMP detachment. All contact information for RCMP detachments in Newfoundland and Labrador can be found here: https://rcmp.ca/en/nl/detachments.

To share information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app. 

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