Convenience store robbery in Timmins caught on video

Police in Timmins are investigating a brazen robbery at a local convenience store last week.

CTV News received videos taken at the scene Oct. 18 as the robbery progressed. The first shows two people shovelling items into a bag as the incredulous employee looks on, speaking with police.

These videos show an early morning robbery of a convenience story in Timmins on Oct 18.

The second shows a person exiting the store holding a bag.

Timmins police spokesperson Michelle St. Louis told CTV News in an email they are investigating the incident.

"On Oct. 18, Timmins Police Service received a phone call indicating a shoplift in progress," St. Louis said.

"In response, two of our constables were dispatched to the scene immediately to commence an investigation."

The suspects had already fled the scene by the time police arrived, however.

St. Louis said police take all such calls seriously.

"Our officers respond promptly and professionally to ensure the safety and security of our community," she said.

"We encourage all residents to continue reporting suspicious activity and crimes in progress, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment for everyone."

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St. Louis said the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police in partnership with Retail Council of Canada, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services and Toronto Police Service recently published a retail safety and security guide that includes tips to make retailers less vulnerable to crime.

It includes ways to reduce shoplifting and other retail crime and outlines methods to prevent and address the most common and severe forms of retail crime.

In addition, it has techniques on how to deal with abusive customers, suspicious individuals, intoxicated individuals, as well as individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

It can be accessed here.