Saanich Police are investigating an early evening theft from the Mac’s Convenience Store located in the 3700 block of Shelbourne Street.
Just after 6:30 p.m., on Monday, December 8, 2014, an employee from the store reported a theft that had just occurred at the business.
Investigation determined that the unknown male had entered the store some time before the theft and had gone to a bathroom within the store where he remained for an extended period of time. The store employee was not aware that the customer was still inside the store, hidden in the bathroom. The employee, believing the store was empty, locked the doors to the business to go to a storage area in the back of the store.
When the employee returned from the storage room, he observed the suspect, who was rifling through drawers in the till area behind the counter. The suspect attempted to flee upon seeing the employee, but was prevented in leaving the store when he was tackled to the ground by the employee.
After a brief struggle, which was witnessed by others outside of the store, the suspect was able to break free. As the suspect was leaving, he produced a small knife and fled from the store. The store employee was not injured.
The store employee was successful in preventing the theft of a large quantity of BC Transit passes which the suspect dropped during the struggle. Investigators later determined that the suspect was successful is taking the personal cell phone of the employee.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, 20 to 30 years old, over 6 feet tall with a slender build. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a grey toque, a black shirt with white and orange on the sleeves, black pants, and black shoes.
Surveillance footage of the incident, including photos of the suspect, were obtained.
Anyone who may have information about this incident are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department at 250-475-4321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-TIPS (8477).
File 2014-24185
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158