The Saanich Police Department says its arrested a suspect following two robberies that occurred over the span of two days at different businesses in the same plaza.
In a report published on Wednesday, police say that the robberies took place between January 30 and February 1 in the 200-block of Gorge Road West.
Police indicate that during the first robbery, which happened at around 5:30 p.m. on January 30, the suspect approached a cashier and produced a note that demanded money.
The suspect then fled the store before police were called.
On Feb. 1, the suspect returned to the same plaza on Gorge Road West, however, entered a different business and demanded money in a similar fashion by using a note.
Police add that during the second robbery, there was a threat of using a firearm.
The suspect again fled prior to police being called.
According to police, both robberies resulted in the suspect leaving with an undisclosed amount of money.
Patrol officers have been working with detectives with the Major Crimes Unit in order to identify a suspect, which led to the arrest of one man on Feb. 5.
Police indicate that charges are being recommended against the 49-year-old suspect for two counts of Robbery and one count of ‘Using an Imitation Firearm.’
“Investigators, including front-line patrol officers, worked quickly to identify a suspect responsible for these brazen crimes in our community. Search warrants were also executed on a residence in Saanich as well as a vehicle believed to be associated with the robberies,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades.
Graham Cox
