Police are cautioning Edmonton businesses about a troubling rise in swarming thefts targeting high-value items like perfume and cologne from locked display cases. Groups of teens are accused of organizing these robberies, which have escalated during the holiday shopping season.The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) reports around 30 incidents in recent months, often involving groups of four or five suspects aged 15 to 19. The suspects typically request to see products in locked cases before overpowering store employees and stealing large amounts of merchandise.“Investigators are working hard to identify and arrest the suspects responsible,” said Acting Staff Sergeant Justin Collis of the EPS Robbery Section. “To date, 16 individuals have been charged in this cluster of thefts. Of those, seven were involved in more than one occurrence, so we have a large group of individuals committing these theft offences. We are also working closely with the business sector to ensure they are aware of this trend.”Police estimate that 40-50 suspects may be involved in the thefts. Some incidents have reportedly included physical force, with store employees being shoved aside.With the holiday season in full swing, EPS warns the robberies may continue and advises businesses to bolster their security measures. Recommendations include:Opening locked display cases only for individual customers, not groups;Having two employees present when unlocking cases;Relocking display cases immediately after removing items.Additional security tips are available on the EPS website.Businesses are encouraged to remain vigilant, and anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
