The Incident: Police in Calgary and Edmonton are searching for a suspect believed to have committed multiple armed robberies at cannabis stores while using disguises to conceal his identity.

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.