LCBO stores increasingly being targeted by thieves
Guelph police recently arrested a man wanted for thefts at more than 100 LCBO stores – and it’s not an isolated incident.
Arrest in LCBO thefts
The suspect, and another man, were found sleeping in a car in St. Catharines on Sunday.
Police blocked their vehicle in and ultimately had to smash a window before taking the two into custody.
The 27-year-old and 35-year-old were both charged with two counts of possessing stolen property over $5,000, two counts of possessing stolen property under $5,000, obstructing police, possessing identity documents and breaching court orders.
The 27-year-old was also charged with dangerous driving.
Police believe he’s responsible for around 110 LCBO thefts across the province.
“I gather some of them [were] in Guelph, but [also] many other jurisdictions,” Scott Tracey, the media relations coordinator for Guelph Police, said on Tuesday.
Liquor thefts in the GTA
On Dec. 14, 2023, approximately $50,000 worth of alcohol was stolen from an LCBO store in Richmond Hill.
Officers on patrol saw someone enter the Yonge Street and High Tech Road location and then stack up a number of cases, while three others acted as lookouts. All four then loaded the cases into a waiting vehicle. Police followed the suspects to a Mississauga parking lot where they moved the cases into a shipping container.
The four were arrested and, besides alcohol, officers seized almost $20,000 in Canadian currency, suspected methamphetamine and heroin.
At the time of the arrests, police told CTV News Toronto they believed the group might also be responsible for similar thefts across York Region.
Shoplifters in Ottawa
In Ottawa, more than 1,500 shoplifting incidents were reported at LCBO stores over the last three months of 2023. City staff said it marked a significant increase over the previous year – only 720 were reported by the retailer during the fourth quarter of 2022.
In a statement to CTV News Ottawa, the LCBO noted that theft and violent incidents are “on the rise across the retail industry.”
LCBO response
CTV News Kitchener requested an interview with the LCBO on Tuesday. Instead, they shared the following statement: “LCBO combines investigative expertise with leading-edge technology and data and analytics to take proactive, collaborative and substantive actions to address criminal activity.”
They added that the recent arrest by Guelph police “helps create a safer environment for our employees and customers.”
Advice for LCBO workers
Chris Lewis, a public safety analyst for CTV News and former OPP commissioner, said retailers need to be proactive to deter theft.
“I think it is incumbent on stores, like the LCBO, to have proper security in place that will ultimately take action.”
As for customers, they could be key in helping police make an arrest.
Experts say if you witness a theft, the best thing you can do is gather information, like a suspect description.
“Step outside, see where they’re going, see what direction they ran [in], see if they get in a vehicle and get those particulars,” Lewis suggested.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Unruly passenger' forces WestJet flight to make emergency landing in B.C.
A WestJet flight heading to Calgary had to make an emergency landing in northern B.C. Monday due to an incident involving an 'unruly passenger,' Mounties say.
The double-level airplane seat is back. This time, there’s a first-class version
It’s the airplane seat design that launched a thousand memes and kickstarted a media storm. And now the double-level seat is back – only this time, with a twist.
Three people shot to death in tiny South Dakota town; former mayor charged
Three people were shot to death in a small South Dakota town, and a former law officer who once served as the town's mayor is charged in the killings.
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
Poilievre Conservatives offer to help Trudeau Liberals pass foreign interference bill
Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party is offering to help Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government pass a piece of legislation aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
'Irrefutable evidence': integrity commissioner finds Parole Board member sexually harassed 'several' employees
There is 'irrefutable evidence' a member of the Parole Board of Canada sexually harassed multiple employees, without adequate disciplinary action from management, according to a report by Canada's Public Sector Integrity Commissioner.
'Son of Sam' killer Berkowitz denied parole in 12th attempt
'Son of Sam' killer David Berkowitz, who set New York City on edge with late-night shootings in the 1970s, was denied parole after his twelfth board appearance.