Smash and grabs drain $100K from Alberta retailers
A group of teens have smash-and-grabbed about $100,000 in merchandise from Alberta retailers like Walmarts in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge, police say.
Calgary police believe it's the same group of offenders.
Staff Sgt. Guy Baker says the group is made up of five to seven teenagers. They rush into a store, cause a commotion and make off with stolen merchandise during the resulting confusion.
"When they do these kinds of thefts, they are getting a large amount of merchandise that is very expensive and they are targeting cell phones," Baker said.
Be a good witness
In one incident, staff and customers were injured after they tried to intervene.
Baker says witnesses can help by watching closely.
"If somebody witnesses this, whether you are an employee at one of the stores or a customer, treat this as a potentially dangerous situation. Be a good witness but don't get involved."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers.
