UMVA has learned that a brazen gang of thieves has been brought to justice after a string of daring robberies targeting Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Hamilton.
The crackdown came after a series of incidents, beginning last month, where thieves made off with expensive fragrance products from multiple locations throughout the city. Hamilton Police sprang into action, pouring over surveillance footage and following a trail of clues that ultimately led to the identification of four suspects.
As the investigation gained momentum, police observed a disturbing escalation in the number of incidents, with the suspects becoming increasingly brazen in their methods. The thieves used hammers to smash glass display cases, making off with large quantities of perfume and cologne products.
In a stunning display of audacity, the suspects hit not one, not two, but three locations in a single day. The first incident occurred around 9 p.m. on May 21, when three male suspects entered the Shoppers location at 661 Upper James St. One suspect allegedly used a hammer to smash the fragrance display cabinets before fleeing with stolen merchandise in a grey Nissan Rogue.
The thieves struck again just several hours later, at 1:49 a.m., when they hit the 510 Concession St. location. Once more, three suspects entered the premises, smashing display cases and making off with fragrance products. They fled the scene in the same vehicle, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
The final incident occurred later that same morning, at 10:32 a.m., when the suspects targeted the 1000 Golf Links Rd. location. The thieves smashed glass display cabinets as store employees and customers fled in fear.
But their reign of terror came to an abrupt end when police located the suspect vehicle and arrested four individuals without incident. Cops seized two backpacks filled with perfume and cologne bottles, complete with Shoppers Drug Mart stickers, as well as a hammer, crowbar, and knife.
The investigation has linked the suspects to 13 reported theft and robbery incidents across the city, dating back to April, with losses exceeding $21,000. The four suspects have been charged with a range of offenses, including robbery and theft.
The suspects are now facing justice: Damian Bent-Gale, 21, Deshawn Davidson, 27, Brandon Ferris, 35, and Nicole Martin, 40, all of Hamilton, have been charged with various counts of robbery and theft.
Anyone with information related to these incidents is urged to come forward, with police appealing for tips to help bring an end to this spate of crime.
