MONTREAL – UPDATE: The alleged thief has returned the stolen merchandise, two days after the original posting by Moog Audio.
The manager of Moog Audio on Saint-Laurent Street has released surveillance video of a young man, allegedly stealing headphones from the store.
After attempting to file a complaint at the local police department, Marc Lebel, general manager of the Moog store, claims police said not much could be done about the theft.
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“I can understand that they have more important crimes and bigger stuff,” Lebel said.
“So we said ‘OK, let’s turn to our community’ – which is our customers, our friends and musicians – and let them know that this guy did something wrong.”
In a Facebook post, Lebel said they just want the merchandise back and will not pursue the alleged suspect if everything is returned by Feb. 19.
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Lebel pointed out electronics stores are big targets for theft, but many do not have adequate surveillance equipment.
He hopes that his high-resolution security system will act as a good deterrent for criminals.
“If people come in, we want them to know that we are not the place that you can come and steal stuff from,” Lebel said.
All the same, Montreal police advise against businesses taking the law into their own hands by using social media to post allegations.
“It’s something new we have to deal with,” said Sgt. Laurent Gringas with Montreal police.
In the past, businesses typically posted printed photos in their stores and created a report with the police.
“You need to lay charges or file a complaint at your local police station,” he said.
“If you go on social networks and post a video like that, no investigation is started.”
In many cases, items and surveillance footage can be seized as part of the investigation as well.
By bypassing the police and posting online, business owners are at risk of facing civil charges of libel.
For Lebel however, his priority is simply to deter future criminals and avoid a legal mess.
“If it’s your friend, just tell him to bring the item back and that will be the end of it,” he said.
The video was viewed over 150,000 times in less than 24 hours.
“Watch out for this guy, because if you see him in your store, he might steal something from you as well,” Lebel said.
Even if the merchandise is returned and the store does not press charges, the open file at the police department could lead to the Crown pressing criminal charges against the alleged thief.
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