Police in Renfrew and Lanark counties are investigating a pair of strikingly similar overnight drug store break-ins in two communities.
According to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the first happened just before 1 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 24, on McNeely Avenue in Carleton Place. Police say two thieves smashed their way into the store and made off with high-end perfumes and colognes.
The first individual is described as thin to medium build, wearing a beige and white hoodie and a light blue ball cap and black running shoes. The other is described as medium build, black jacket, tan or camouflage pants and white running shoes. The car they were in is described as a dark blue or grey sedan.
A second break-in happened just after 3 a.m. Monday at a drug store on Elgin Street West in Arnprior. Once again, colognes and perfumes were taken. Officers from the Renfrew Detachment were on scene within minutes but the thieves had already fled. In this case no vehicle was seen.
Police say this time, three males were involved. Descriptions of two are similar to the earlier theft and the third person is described as wearing a black jacket and white running shoes.
The OPP Canine Unit conducted a search around both crime scenes, but the thieves had already fled the area.
The investigations by the Lanark County OPP and Renfrew OPP Crime Units are continuing, with assistance of the OPP Forensic Identification Services Unit.
If you have any information, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report it online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
(Sherry Haaima)