Yellowknife RCMP are searching for two men suspected of robbing a Franklin Avenue convenience store yesterday – the fourth alleged robbery or robbery attempt in Yellowknife since mid-January.
Mounties were called to the Sunlines Alterations and Convenience store around 1:20 p.m. Tuesday. Police say two masked men made off with the store's cash register, stealing an "undisclosed amount of cash," according to a news release issued late Wednesday afternoon.
The suspects fled on foot, according to police.
Due to their disguises, employees were not able to provide a physical description of the suspects.
A Yellowknife RCMP vehicle parked outside Sunlines Alterations and Convenience Wednesday afternoon. Officers took statements from store owners following an alleged robbery Tuesday afternoon.
There are also no photos of the suspects available, states the news release.
"Yellowknife RCMP were supported by the General Investigative Section in conducting patrols of the area, which did not yield a suspect. The Northwest Territories RCMP Forensic Identification Service attended the scene as well," states spokesperson Marie York-Condon.
Tuesday's incident marks the fourth alleged robbery or robbery attempt in the city since mid-January, a span of less than 60 days.
Police are continuing to investigate and seek suspects related to the following incidents:
- On Jan. 14, police say a man fled with cash from the Mac's Convenience store (Wink's) after brandishing a knife.
- On Feb. 13, Yellowknife Mounties say a man used what was believed to be a knife to demand cash from 48 Street's First Nations Bank of Canada in alleged brazen broad-daylight robbery.
- On March 5, police say a man attempted to rob Kim's Confectionery, located at the corner of Franklin Avenue and 54 Street, at knife-point.
Of those robberies or robbery attempts, two are alleged to have occurred in broad daylight. A knife is alleged to have been brandished by suspects in each robbery or robbery attempt. It's unclear if a weapon was brandished during Tuesday's alleged robbery.
None of the suspects sought by police have been apprehended.
Despite the rash of robberies, RCMP say there's no cause for concern.
"We want to assure the public that there is no indication that there is a general public safety risk in relation to the alleged robbery attempts," states York-Condon.
“We are thankful there have been no reported injuries in relation to these serious crimes. We ask anyone, who may have witnessed unusual or suspicious activity in the dates, time, locations/areas of the four reported incidents, to please come forward to the Yellowknife RCMP, or Crime Stoppers," she added.
Mounties say they do not believe the robberies are linked.
Store owners declined to comment to Yellowknifer while the investigation continues.
More to come.