Police are raising the alarm about what they believe is an organized effort to steal cellphones from retailers across Calgary. They say they’re concerned the suspects could become violent.
“It is always concerning to us when we see groups escalate from thefts to robberies because there is the real potential for violence,” Insp. Joe Brar said in a statement on Thursday.
Investigators said the suspects started by running into stores and grabbing cellphones that weren’t secure. However, in the most recent incidents, police said the suspects “completely took over the stores and used force to confine the store staff” while the devices were taken.
Police said 82 incidents of theft or robbery were reported between Feb. 23 and March 15.
“We are taking these incidents very seriously and are doing everything we can to identify and charge everyone involved,” Brar said.
Four youths, aged 16 and 17 years old, have already been charged in connection with one of the incidents. Together they face eight counts of forcible confinement, four counts of robbery, three counts of wearing a mask with intent to commit a crime and 10 counts of breaching court conditions.
The suspects cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Police continue to investigate, as they believe there are other people involved.
An investigative team has been set up to identify other suspects in the group and police are working with retailers to try to prevent further robberies.
Anyone who may have witnessed one of these incidents is asked to call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or contact Crime Stoppers.