By Roger White

Rash of armed robberies have Battlefords RCMP concerned

Sep 26, 2017 | 12:51 PM

A recent rash of incidents involving violence and weapons has members of the Battlefords RCMP concerned.

Last week, two businesses were victims of armed robberies in North Battleford and police are asking for the public’s assistance to find those responsible.

“It’s always a concern when we (RCMP) are dealing with armed robberies especially people using any kind of weapon or violence,” said Cpl. James Fenrich of the RCMP.  

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, two suspects walked into a local business armed with an axe and bear mace and confronted a store employee. The thieves fled after stealing multiple packages of cigarettes.  

The first suspect is described as a slender male approximately 13 to 18-years-old, 5’6”, and wearing a grey and purple hoodie, dark hat, bandana and a carried multi-patterned backpack. The second suspect is described as a smaller male approximately 5’ 0”, between 12 to 18-years-old and wearing a baggy purple hoodie and a bandana.

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The second robbery took place on Friday night at approximately 10 p.m. when a business on 100 St. was also robbed with bear spray. In this incident the culprits made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The first suspect in that robbery is described as male wearing a grey hoodie, black jacket and a red bandana while the second suspect is female with a grey jacket and white pants with black dots.

In both robberies RCMP report no one was injured. There is also no indication that these armed robberies are connected at this time.

In recent weeks there have been incidents with machetes, pellet pistols and bear spray. Fenrich said these are weapons of convenience.

“Weapons like machetes, small axes and bear spray are easy to obtain,” Fenrich added. “Unlike firearms that require you to get a licence, these weapons can be purchased over the counter from any hardware or sporting goods store.”

The recent flurry of armed robberies and violence is a stark contrast to 2016 numbers, when according to Statistics Canada, the city of North Battleford saw an eight per cent reduction in violent crime and dropped the dubious distinction of being the number one city in Canada in the Violent Crime Severity Index – a title it has held since 2009.

If you have any information regarding these two armed robberies contact Crime Stoppers or Battlefords RCMP.

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @RJWtheReporter