The Shell Gas Station on Edmonton Trail has been victimized by thieves a number of times over the last few months, mostly recently on May 1, according to Airdrie RCMP Media Liaison Constable Jason Curtis when a lone man stole some chewing tobacco at approximately 10:15 p.m.
“He came in, walked around the store, asked the store clerk to get him a log of chewing tobacco which is a number of canisters all in one and when the store clerk put the log on the counter, the individual requested cigarettes,” Curtis said. “When the clerk turned around to get the cigarettes, the individual simply grabbed (the log) and ran out the door.”
The store clerk called RCMP who attended and collected video surveillance footage.
Curtis described the thief as Caucasian, in his late teens to early 20s, 6’ tall with a thin build and short dark hair. He was wearing a grey hoodie with the image of a marijuana leaf on it as well as dark skinny jeans and a black baseball cap with a grey brim and white writing.
The same gas station was also struck by a lone thief on Jan. 18 at 7 p.m., according to Curtis.
“The individual purchased a large number of gift cards with a stolen credit card and then he departed in a red Pontiac sedan,” Curtis said. “The clerk wasn’t able to tell us what direction he went or a license plate number.”
RCMP describe the man as being in his 20s with fair skin. He is 6’ tall with a thin build and at the time of the incident had his dark hair in dreadlocks held back in a pony tail and a dark goatee. He was wearing a black jacket and a black golf shirt with a red collar. He also has a tattoo of lips on his neck.
Curtis said thefts from gas stations are pretty common.
“These are, unfortunately, regular calls that we attend. I wouldn’t say that there’s been any sort of significant increase, it’s just that these events happen. I wish they didn’t,” he said.
“Unfortunately, property crime and petty theft is quite prevalent. Gas stations are a pretty easy mark. I can only guess as to why but I’d say you have a large number of people coming in, coming out,” he added. “They’re also close to roadways so it’s not unusual for someone to pull up right in front of the store or have a vehicle running or waiting – that would be my guess as to why (gas stations are often victims of these kinds of crimes).”
If you have any information on any crime, call the Airdrie RCMP detachment at (403) 945-7200 or Crime Stoppers.
