A suspect distracted an employee and stole $200 worth of bracelets from a store at Woodgrove Centre last week.
The incident happened Nov. 13 at Manhattan Home, according to a Crime Stoppers report provided by Nanaimo RCMP. Officers were called to a report of a male shoplifter, but the suspect had fled before police arrived on scene.
“Employees said the suspect was very smooth and talked up a blue streak, obviously to keep the employees off guard so he could pocket the bracelets,” the report noted.
RCMP expect shoplifting to “increase significantly” from now through the holiday season.
“Store employees need to be vigilant at all times when dealing with customers handling jewelry,” the report noted. “Keep your eye on the prize at all times and if you can, limit the number of items being handled at any given time.”
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Anyone with information about unsolved crimes is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, text 274637, keyword Nanaimo or submit a tip online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.