Series of convenience store robberies

The Calgary Police Service is alerting convenience store owners and employees to a series of robberies that took place last night and into the early morning hours of today.

It is believed the same female suspect is connected to the robbery of six convenience stores between the hours of 11:30 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, and 6:10 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. Investigators believe the same suspect may also be responsible for at least another four robberies dating back to Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. Predominantly convenience stores and gas stations in southwest and northwest Calgary have been targeted thus far.

In each of the cases, a woman enters the store carrying a blunt object, described as a bar or stick. She then threatens staff and demands undisclosed money and cigarettes before fleeing. The woman’s face is covered or masked.

The woman is described as being between 25 and 40 years old, 5'5" to 6' tall, with a slim build and blonde or brown hair.

Photos of the suspect will not be released at this time to assist in the investigative efforts.

Store owners and employees are offered the following safety tips:

• Ensure windows are clear and visible to outside witnesses.
• Provide ample lighting.
• Cash registers should be located so as to allow a clear view for passing motorists, pedestrians and police officers.
• Do not keep large amounts of cash on the premise.
• Use a drop safe or night deposit. When making night deposits have someone with you, stagger your delivery times and routes, and do not carry money in sight.
• Equip your business with good-quality video surveillance. If you have a system in place, ensure it is working and the camera is aligned with the cash register or doorway area.
• During a robbery:
  • Stay calm.
  • Obey the robber’s demands.
  • Consider all firearms to be loaded.
  • Look at the robbers – notice details to aid you in describing them and their weapon. Note age, weight, height, clothing, tattoos or other distinctive marks.
  • Watch the direction the offenders leave in, or if they use a vehicle, try to note the licence plate number.
  • Do NOT follow.
  • Call 9-1-1 when it is safe to do so.
  • Do not touch anything.
  • Ask witnesses to wait for police.

Anyone with information about this robbery series or the suspect, is asked to contact the police at 403-266-1234, or Crime Stoppers anonymously through one of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

Case#17474465/4778/4392