Police investigating string of perfume thefts in eastern Ontario

High-end fragrances are becoming a popular target for thieves across eastern Ontario. CTV’s Katie Griffin reports.

Ottawa police are investigating a robbery at a Shoppers Drug Mart location in Barrhaven.

Police said officers were called to the store on Strandherd Drive near Woodroffe Avenue at around 10:45 p.m. Monday for a reported theft in progress.

The suspects had all left by the time police arrived.

Video circulating on social media purports to show the robbery. Several people in hoodies and masks can be seen loading what appears to be perfumes and colognes into plastic bins and duffel bags, placing them in a car, and then driving away.

Ottawa police say the West Criminal Investigations Section is leading the investigation and anyone with information is asked to call them at 613-236-1222 ext: 2666 or email [e-mail].

To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a time online at crimestoppers.ca.

This follows several other reported robberies targeting drugstores in which thieves have made off with thousands of dollars’ worth of fragrances.

Brockville police say the same Shoppers Drug Mart on Parkedale Avenue was hit twice this month. Stores in Arnprior and Carleton Place have also been robbed in recent weeks.

It’s not known whether the incidents are related.

“Whether there’s any connection between all of these incidents, we don’t know. That’s part of the ongoing investigation,” said OPP spokesperson Bill Dickson. “Some of the stuff they’re going after is very expensive, cologne and perfume. But what they’re doing with it, are they reselling it somewhere? That has yet to be determined by the investigation.”

Jeff Leger, the president of Shoppers Drug Mart, was in Ottawa Thursday to open a pharmacy care clinic at uOttawa. He said the company was taking the issue seriously.

“I think it’s well known that there’s been, you know, some changes in terms of organized retail crime and theft and we’re meeting those requirements to make sure that customers have a great experience in the store, they feel comfortable in the store, but also our colleagues are safe,” Leger said.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Katie Griffin