Police search for multiple thieves after $700 stolen from Edmonton vape shop

EPS releases surveillance video of thieves Police are searching for the thieves behind a bear spray attack and robbery of a northeast Edmonton vape shop.

Edmonton police are looking for help identifying three, possibly four thieves who robbed a northeast vape shop back in November.

At around 2 p.m. on Nov. 11, police say three people entered the store at 37 Street and 118 Avenue and stole about $700 in vape pens before fleeing.

Norman Bloomfield, owner of the vape shop, told CTV News Edmonton the latest incident is just another setback after two already hard years in business.

“Times are tight,” he said. “Seven hundred dollars is a lot when you’re not even breaking even.”

According to police, the woman and lone employee at the shop was trapped at the locked door and sprayed with bear spray.

“I don't understand why he sprayed her, it doesn't make sense,” Bloomfield explained.

The thieves are described as Black with thin builds and under the age of 20. Police said two of the thieves were men and one was a woman.

The woman was last seen wearing red and black plaid pants and one of the men had red sweat pants with a red and blue jacket.

Police said a second woman was in the store at the time of the robbery and stole some items. However, officers say it’s not clear whether she was involved or “took advantage of the opportunity to steal.”

Video of the robbery has been put online by the Edmonton Police Service. Watch it here.

Bloomfield said he’s stepped up security measures at the store and now has employees working in pairs.

“I thought my employee was going to quit on me to be honest... I wouldn't have blamed her if she did.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call EPS at 780-423-4567.