Caught in a whiff of crime: Barrie man arrested and charged in alleged fragrance theft

A 24-year-old man from Barrie is facing charges after allegedly stealing cologne from a Shoppers Drug Mart in the city.

According to police, on May 24, just before 9:30 a.m., a man entered the Shoppers Drug Mart on Essa Road in Barrie. Police say surveillance footage showed a man testing samples of cologne while looking over his shoulder for employees.

Officers say after the man found one he liked, he was seen carrying it down the next aisle and placing it in his pocket.

Police say the suspect immediately exited the store causing the security alarm to go off, alerting employees.

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The man fled through the parking lot before employees could catch up, police say.

According to police, officers received several tips in regards to the incident. As a result, officers arrested a 24-year-old man from Barrie and have charged him with theft under $5,000. He is scheduled to appear in court in August to answer to the charge.

Police originally believed the incident was linked to two other fragrance thefts in the region, however, they say further investigation revealed the incidents are not related.