Earlier this month someone walked into the Holt Renfrew at Pacific Centre, unleashed a cloud of bear spray, and walked out with a purse valued at $1,800.
Police are still looking for the suspect, who was wearing a mask and hoodie.
"This was a violent crime that occurred on one of the busiest shopping nights of the year and affected many people,” says Sgt. Steve Addison in a press release. “We’re asking everyone to look hard at this video and call us if you know the person responsible."
The incident occurred at the high-end department store on Friday, Dec. 3 at around 6 p.m. A video of the incident shows how quickly it happened, as the individual opened the door, sprays into the store and leaves the camera view for only a few seconds. They return to view for only a moment as they walk out, carrying what looks like a purse or bag.
“Dozens of people were impacted by the bear spray, which causes intense skin irritation, temporary blindness, and respiratory concerns,” adds Addison. “The entire store had to be evacuated because it was so hard to breathe.”
Police are unsure of the person's gender, but believe they're in their 20s. At the time of the theft the suspect was wearing a green hoodie, yellow face covering, and a black baseball cap with a distinctive white logo.
Anyone with tips is asked to call investigators at 1-604-717-4022 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
#VPDNews: Vancouver Police are searching for a robbery suspect who deployed bear spray inside a busy department store last week, and ask anyone who can identify the person to contact investigators at 604-717-4022.
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) December 13, 2021
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