2 people arrested following thefts at Halifax-area clothing, liquor stores

The theft of expensive bottles of alcohol is a growing problem in the Maritimes.

Two people have been arrested following recent thefts in the Halifax area.

The RCMP responded to reports of shoplifting at two different liquor stores in Hammonds Plains and Timberlea on Tuesday afternoon.

Officers were told a specific type of alcohol was taken.

Police say they were also given descriptions of the people involved and the vehicle used to leave both stores.

The red Ford Taurus was then found by officers conducting patrols and police say they found more than 150 bottles of the same alcohol inside.

They believe the alcohol is associated with at least 10 recent thefts from liquor stores across the Halifax area.

Officers arrested a woman, who matched the description of one of the people allegedly involved in the thefts.

She remains in custody pending a first court appearance.

Cpl. Carlie McCann says the alcohol has been connected to at least 10 recent thefts from liquor stores across the Halifax area and has a value of $3,500.

“Other recent thefts from different liquor stores are still under investigation and officers anticipate further arrests,” reads a news release from the RCMP.

Numbers provided by the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission show a 39 per cent increase in the theft of liquor during the first three months of this year compared to last year.

Sandra Mullen, the president of the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union, is encouraging members working in the stores to follow NSLC policy if they encounter someone stealing.

“They have certainly directed staff to not become engaged. The policy is that these staff protect their person versus the product,” said Mullen.

The RCMP also responded to a report of a robbery at a retail outlet on Cole Harbour Drive in Cole Harbour, N.S., on Tuesday afternoon.

A man allegedly threatened an employee before fleeing the area on foot with clothing from the store.

Halifax Regional Police officers found a man on Donegal Drive matching a description of the suspect a short time later.

Police say he was also in possession of the stolen items.

The man was arrested and had his first court appearance on Wednesday at Dartmouth provincial court.

Shawn Beckwith of Halifax is charged with robbery and possession of property obtained by crime.

The 48-year-old remains in custody pending future court appearances.

Police say store employees should not confront suspected shoplifters and call local police to report thefts, or call 911 if there is any immediate safety concerns.

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