‘Experienced’ shoplifter arrested by Hamilton police

Hamilton police have arrested an “experienced shoplifter” who was wanted by several police forces in Southern Ontario.

Shortly after 8:30 p.m. Sunday, police received reports of a theft at a Shoppers Drug Mart on Barton St. East.

Police say a man was seen removing tags from products in the pharmaceutical aisle and then putting the items into his pocket. He was confronted by store security outside of the building before he fled on foot.

While officers were on their way to the pharmacy, they saw a man who matched the description of the suspect standing outside of a convenience store near Kenilworth and Britannia avenues. The man quickly went inside the store where he was subsequently arrested by police.

Investigators say the man had several items in his possessions believed to have been stolen from Shoppers Drug Mart including over the counter medications, and personal grooming tools. Police say they also found clothing the man had previously been wearing and changed in an attempt to evade police.

Investigators discovered the 29-year-old man was wanted on six arrest warrants with several police agencies, including Hamilton Police Service. “Once his court matters are resolved in Hamilton he will be turned over to the other agencies,” said Hamilton police in a news release.

He is scheduled to appear in court later Tuesday to face several charges including theft under $5,000.

HPS has arrested an experienced shoplifter with six outstanding warrants for arrest with several police agencies. The 29-year-old male of no fixed address will appear in court later today. #HamOnt https://t.co/mW5ndoZK3g pic.twitter.com/XEAEf3ADKS

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) July 23, 2019