What happened:

• The first robbery occurred on Sept. 1, 2024, at Lux Leaf Cannabis in Calgary. The suspect entered just before closing, demanded cannabis from employees, and fled on foot with stolen items.
• Over the following weeks, several similar incidents were reported in Calgary and Edmonton. The suspect typically targeted stores near closing time, brandishing a gun in most cases.
• Investigators describe the suspect as a man aged 25–35, with a medium build and height between 5’6” and 5’10”. He is known to use disguises, including fake beards, moustaches, hats, and sunglasses.

What they’re saying:

• Calgary police stated, “Throughout September and October 2024, it is believed the same suspect committed several additional cannabis store robberies across Calgary.”
• Police are asking the public to provide any information that could help identify the suspect by contacting Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Backdrop:

• Cannabis stores, often handling cash and valuable inventory, have become frequent targets for robbery since legalization. The use of disguises and firearms underscores the calculated nature of these crimes.
• These incidents highlight vulnerabilities in retail security, particularly in high-risk industries like cannabis retail.

What you can do to safeguard your assets:

• Invest in advanced surveillance systems: Install high-resolution cameras with facial recognition to counter disguises and assist in suspect identification.
• Implement controlled entry systems: Use secure locking mechanisms during closing hours to limit unauthorized access.
• Work with security experts: Guardka Security offers tailored protection plans for high-risk retail environments, helping businesses safeguard employees, inventory, and assets.

Authorities are urging cannabis store operators to stay vigilant and enhance security measures to prevent further incidents while the investigation continues.

What happened:

• On Friday, an intruder attempted to enter a home on Placer Close through a patio door but fled after breaking it.
• On the same day, another break-in on Kingsbury Crescent involved entry through a basement window, with jewelry and other belongings stolen.
• Police believe these two incidents, along with others, may be connected.
• Of the 13 reported cases, five involved stolen belongings. In two instances, residents were home during the intrusion, but the burglars fled without confrontation.

What they’re saying:

• St. Albert RCMP issued a warning urging residents “to be on alert,” especially those living between Anthony Henday Drive and Sturgeon River.
• Officers advised homeowners to review security measures and report any suspicious behavior or security footage to police.

Backdrop:

• Break-and-enters are a relatively rare occurrence in St. Albert, making this spike in incidents a cause for concern.
• These events underline the importance of proactive measures to deter criminals and protect homes in areas typically perceived as safe.

What you can do to safeguard your home:

• Install security systems: Use audible alarms and camera systems to deter intruders and monitor activity.
• Enhance outdoor lighting: Motion-sensor or well-placed exterior lights can discourage unauthorized access.
• Create the appearance of activity: Keep interior lights on in the evening to make it seem like someone is home.

For additional protection, consider working with security professionals like Guardka Security, who specialize in personalized strategies to safeguard your home and give you peace of mind.

What happened:

• Auger and an accomplice, Keyara Vye, entered the store around 2:30 p.m. and attempted to steal products.
• A confrontation broke out between the suspects and two store employees.
• As the suspects fled, Auger allegedly produced a firearm and shot one of the employees.
• The injured employee was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

What they’re saying:

• Police located and arrested Vye shortly after the incident. She has been charged with robbery and multiple firearms-related offences.

• Auger remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities urge the public not to approach him and to contact Edmonton Police Service or Crime Stoppers with any information.

Backdrop:

•  Convenience stores are frequent targets of robbery due to their late hours and cash-heavy operations. This incident highlights the risks faced by retail employees when confronted with violent criminals.

• The use of firearms in robberies underscores the growing need for improved safety measures in high-risk retail environments.

What you can do to safeguard your business:

• Enhance physical security: Install high-resolution surveillance cameras and reinforced entry points to deter criminal activity.

• Provide employee training: Equip staff with training on how to respond safely during high-risk situations.

• Partner with experts: Guardka Security specializes in tailored solutions to protect employees and prevent incidents, offering comprehensive plans for high-risk businesses like convenience stores.

As the search for Auger continues, Edmonton Police urge vigilance and cooperation to bring the suspect into custody and ensure community safety.

The Incident: Edmonton police are investigating a robbery at a cannabis store at Desrochers Gate and Daniels Way in south Edmonton that occurred on October 20, 2024. Two suspects entered the store late at night, demanding products from a clerk.

What happened:

• Around 10:45 p.m., the suspects entered the cannabis store and demanded products from the employee.
• When the clerk refused, a physical altercation ensued, leaving the employee with minor injuries that were later treated at a hospital.
• The suspects fled the scene before police arrived.

What they’re saying:

• Edmonton police have released descriptions of the suspects, who are believed to be men aged 18–24, both standing between 5’7” and 5’10” with slim builds.
• Police are seeking public assistance and have urged anyone with information to contact investigators or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Suspect descriptions:

• Suspect 1: Wore a dark blue Calvin Klein hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and pink, aqua, and black Nike Air Max shoes, along with a blue medical mask.
• Suspect 2: Wore a black Nike hooded sweatsuit, grey runners, and a white medical mask hanging below his chin.

Backdrop:

• Cannabis stores remain high-risk targets for theft due to their valuable inventory. This incident highlights the vulnerability of late-night retail operations and the risks faced by employees.
• Robberies involving physical altercations further underscore the need for enhanced safety measures in high-risk retail settings.

What you can do to safeguard your retail business:

• Install robust surveillance systems: High-definition cameras can aid in suspect identification and act as a deterrent.

•  Implement panic alarms: Provide employees with quick access to panic buttons to alert authorities in emergencies.

• Partner with experts: Guardka Security offers comprehensive solutions, including on-site security personnel and custom risk assessments, to help cannabis retailers protect their staff and inventory.

Edmonton police continue to seek tips as they work to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in this robbery.

What happened:

• Around 6 p.m., the suspects entered the jewelry store, with the woman distracting an employee while the man slipped behind the counter to steal gold chains.
• The pair left the store together, making off with the stolen items.
• Police estimate the value of the stolen gold chains exceeds $115,000.

What they’re saying:

• “This was a very brazen theft where the two suspects acted together,” said EPS Const. Alex Sutton.
• Police released detailed descriptions of the suspects and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Suspect descriptions:

• Male suspect: Approximately 5’8”, with short dark hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a black sweater, grey pants, and white shoes with black soles.
• Female suspect: Approximately 5’4”, with long straight dark hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, a black vest, black pants, black boots, and carried a Burberry purse. Both suspects spoke with Eastern European accents.

Backdrop:

• Brazen thefts like this are a growing concern in retail environments, particularly in high-value stores like jewelry retailers. Coordinated actions by suspects highlight vulnerabilities in existing security protocols.

What you can do to safeguard your business:

• Implement advanced surveillance systems: Use AI-driven cameras for facial recognition and tracking within store premises.

• Train staff for situational awareness: Equip employees with tactics to recognize and respond to distraction-based thefts.
• Enhance physical security: Secure display cases with locking mechanisms and limit access to high-value items.

Businesses can further protect themselves by partnering with experts like Guardka Security, offering tailored loss prevention strategies to safeguard valuable assets and deter sophisticated criminals.

What happened:

• The first theft occurred on June 9, 2024, at the Brentwood Road N.W. location. Around 1:25 p.m., the suspect entered the store, took two small kitchen appliances, and left without attempting to pay.
• Investigators believe the same individual committed similar thefts at other London Drugs locations between June 9 and July 31, 2024, and again on October 1, 2024.
• The stolen merchandise includes various items, with the total value estimated at $9,000.

What they’re saying:

• Police describe the suspect as approximately 5’9”, aged 30–35, with short red-blond hair, a moustache, and a goatee.
• During the thefts, the suspect was seen wearing colorful shirts, black runners, and a tan baseball cap.

Backdrop:

• Retail thefts are a growing issue, particularly in large chain stores. The repeated targeting of London Drugs locations highlights the need for improved deterrence and security measures.

What you can do to safeguard your retail business:

• Upgrade surveillance technology: Ensure high-resolution cameras are installed to capture clear images of suspects.
• Implement staff training: Train employees to recognize suspicious behavior and respond safely during thefts.
• Partner with experts: Guardka Security offers tailored loss prevention solutions, including advanced monitoring systems and real-time response services, to protect your business from repeat offenders.

Calgary police are asking the public for any information that could assist in identifying the suspect. Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers anonymously.

What happened:

• The video shows a brazen break-in, highlighting the growing boldness of criminals in the area.
• Residents report an increase in home invasions, thefts, and signs of social disorder, including homelessness spilling into residential areas.
• Longtime resident Christy Wigger shared her experience of having her garage pried open and valuable items stolen, calling the situation “terrifying.”

What they’re saying:

• “It makes me want to move, but I don’t know where else is better,” Wigger said, expressing frustration over rising crime.
• Ward Nakota Isga Coun. Andrew Knack noted that housing and homelessness, not taxes, are the top concerns among his constituents.
• Knack called for provincial intervention, urging a focus on housing solutions and stronger action against repeat offenders.

Backdrop:

• West Edmonton neighborhoods like Parkview and Crestwood, known for their mature charm and proximity to the river valley, are grappling with challenges historically seen in other parts of the city.
•  Encampments and incidents of social disorder have been linked to increasing crime rates, leaving residents feeling unsafe in their own homes.

What you can do to safeguard your home:

• Upgrade your home security: Install reinforced locks, motion-detection cameras, and doorbell systems to deter break-ins.

• Engage with your community: Join neighborhood watch programs and stay informed about local safety efforts.

• Seek expert protection: Guardka Security offers personalized home security assessments and solutions designed to help you take back your peace of mind in uncertain times.

Residents and local leaders are calling for collaborative efforts to address the root causes of rising crime while enhancing safety measures in west Edmonton neighborhoods.

What happened:

• Around 10:15 p.m., the victim was approached by a man riding a white bicycle, wearing a black hoodie, black pants with white stripes, a black baseball hat, and a face mask.
• Four other men on bikes, dressed in dark clothing, joined the attack.
• The suspects pepper-sprayed the victim, assaulted him, and robbed him before fleeing the scene on their bikes, heading northeast.
• The victim sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

What they’re saying:

• EPS has labeled the attack as random and is urging the public to assist in identifying the suspects.
• Anyone with information is asked to contact EPS or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Backdrop:

• Random attacks like this highlight growing safety concerns in urban areas, particularly in downtown Edmonton.
• The use of pepper spray and group tactics emphasizes the importance of public awareness and preparedness in high-traffic areas.

What you can do to safeguard yourself:

• Stay alert in public spaces: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in low-traffic areas.
• Carry personal safety tools: Items like personal alarms or whistles can help deter attackers and draw attention.
• Seek expert advice: Guardka Security offers personal safety training and urban risk assessments to help individuals and businesses stay prepared and safe in unpredictable environments.

EPS continues to seek tips as they work to identify and locate the suspects involved in this attack.

What happened:

•  Around 5:30 a.m., two men broke into the shop on 58 Avenue S.E. using a fire extinguisher to smash the front door.
• Surveillance footage showed the suspects using an angle grinder to cut through bike locks before fleeing with four e-bikes:

             •    Carbo Model S (Red): $2,937

             •    OHM Quest 2 (Granite): $3,527

             •    Element Eventure 29 (Red): $2,000

             •    Ampr’ Up 2.0 (Silver): $1,750

• The suspects fled in a stolen yellow Leon’s Furniture truck, which was later recovered nearby.

What they’re saying:

• “It was absolutely devastating because we’re a new business,” said owner Avi Beierbach, who now faces additional costs from damaged inventory.
• Calgary police have launched an investigation and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Backdrop:

• E-bikes are becoming a hot commodity for thieves, driven by rising demand in North America.
• The incident highlights the vulnerability of high-value retail items, even when businesses take proactive measures like alarms, surveillance, and bike registration.

What you can do to safeguard your assets:

• Reinforce entry points: Use roll-down shutters or security bars to protect doors and windows.
• Invest in advanced alarm systems: Motion-detection alarms with real-time alerts can help deter thieves and notify authorities quickly.
• Partner with experts: Guardka Security provides tailored security solutions, including enhanced physical barriers and risk assessments, to help businesses like STT Electrix protect their assets.