Investigators with the Calgary Police Service are turning to the public for help with their effort to identify a suspect believed responsible for at least 13 pharmacy break-ins in the span of just over six weeks.
According to police, the suspect has gained access to stores in northeast and southeast Calgary outside of business hours by smashing his way through windows or doors. Once inside, the offender proceeded to the pharmacy counter where he targeted cash and narcotics.
The first in the string of reported break-ins occurred on Sunday, January 21 and the most recent was on Monday, March 5.
Police believe one person is responsible for the 13 break-ins but the offender had an accomplice during the February 16 break-in at The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in the 2600 block of 36 Street N.E.
The targeted businesses include:
- Eastside Pharmacy – 3400 block of 17 Ave SE
- Universal Pharmacy – 5200 block of Memorial Drive E
- Erin Woods Pharmacy - 3700 block of 52 St SE
- Viet Hoa Pharmacy – 1800 block of 48 St SE
- Pineridge Medical Clinic – 3200 block of 60 St NE
- IDA Pharmacy – 3500 block of 26 Ave SE
- The Medicine Shoppe – 5400 block of 4 St NE
- Remedy’s Rx – 800 block of Chaparral Dr SE
- Rexall Pharmacy – 3300 block of 17 Ave SE
The suspect is described as a Caucasian male with a slim build. During the break-ins that occurred in late February, the offender was wearing an Aircast walking boot on his right leg. During the most recent offences, the suspect is without the cast.
Investigators believe the suspect arrived at the pharmacies in a silver Ford Focus or a car of a similar make or model.
Police have released surveillance video and stills of the suspect. Anyone who recognizes the offender or has information regarding the break-ins is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234 or anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers.
