An audacious theft at a liquor store in Kitchener has drawn the attention of Ontario’s premier.
Doug Ford, speaking at a news conference in Inglewood, condemned the recent incident at a local LCBO, labeling the perpetrators as a “brazen bunch of crooks.”
“We need to apprehend these individuals and put them behind bars,” Ford asserted. Footage of the theft, circulating on social media, captures several men filling bags with numerous bottles of liquor before exiting the store.
Following the incident, Ford directly contacted Mark Crowell, Chief of the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS), to discuss the matter. The theft, involving six male suspects who escaped in a dark SUV, took place at Pioneer Park Plaza on a Saturday afternoon. The stolen liquor, predominantly scotch valued at $8,000, prompted WRPS to release photos of the suspects.
In a statement, WRPS described the theft as “brazen, coordinated, and organized” on a significant scale, indicating that the items were likely not intended for personal use. The police are actively reviewing evidence, including video footage and photos, to identify and apprehend the culprits.
Local authorities are collaborating with the LCBO and law enforcement agencies in other regions to determine any possible connections to similar incidents across Ontario.
Expressing confidence in WRPS, Ford lauded Chief Crowell as a “champion.” The premier also criticized the judiciary system, emphasizing frustrations with repeat offenders being granted bail.
Ford pledged to pursue bail reform, asserting his determination to address concerns regarding the release of individuals involved in criminal activities.