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Liquor bandit on the loose after nabbing pricey booze

Liquor thefts a common occurrence in Victoria everyday: VicPD

Victoria police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a man who allegedly robbed two liquor stores last month.

Police say on Dec. 24 at 3:58 p.m. the man managed to run away from a loss-prevention officer who confronted him about stealing two 1.75-litre bottles of Alberta Premium whiskey, each valued at $55. The suspect escaped on foot, heading west on Hillside Avenue, near Quadra Street.

The same man allegedly stole three bottles of Crown Royal whiskey, worth a combined $132, from a beer and wine store in the Blanshard Street area on Dec. 3 at 10 p.m. He was last spotted walking towards the 3000-block of Blanshard St.

Theft of alcohol is one of the more prolific types of shoplifting that happens in Victoria, said Const. Mike Russell, Victoria police spokesperson.

"(Liquor thefts) happen about 50 times a day," he said. "We get hundreds of photos a day of people who steal liquor."

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.