Scared Store Owners Say They’re Asking For More Police Protection!
“I don’t think anybody’s going to do anything until someone does get killed,” Jaswal said. “They’re not using little toy guns. They’re using Tasers, they’re using real guns. We don’t know what they’re going to do.” Due to the similarities of these incidents, investigators believe these crimes are related with at least one of the suspects being responsible for all four incidents. This suspect is described as a Caucasian male, in his early 20’s, wearing dark clothing, ball cap, and hooded sweater. Police are seeking help to identify this suspect!
SURREY —A number of Indo-Canadian cell phone stores in Surrey have been hit by gun-toting criminal bandits who have terrorized the employees and owners while stealing bags full of cell phones which most likely will not work with the new technology of disabling stolen phones.
The gun and machete wielding thugs are young and white and they have targeted specifically stores owned by Indo-Canadians in the strip malls in the Whalley and Newton areas of Surrey, prompting RCMP to put out a news release seeking help to nab the criminals who have robbed four stores in brazen daylight robberies.
There is little doubt that the robberies are connected as the same young robbers, seen in terrifying video surveillance footage of taking down the employees or owners once they rush in with guns flashing or machetes in hand. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt or killed as judging by the actions of these criminals.
The thugs hit a store in Cedar Hills on March 25th, in the 12800-block of 96th Avenue. Another store in the 8300-block of 128th Street in Newton was robbed on April 3rd and 11th, and on April 17 a third store was robbed in the 13500-block of 88th Avenue.
“Our robbery unit continues to advance these investigations by identifying persons of interest and interviewing numerous witnesses,” Cpl. Bert Paquet said.
Store owner Rob Surrey Leader newspaper that in three of the robberies, a man and woman forced staff to the back rooms, “where they tie them up and get access to products like expensive phones.
Riarh said it’s the same crew doing the robberies, and they carry machetes. “We are seeking the public’s help in ending these horrific break-ins during working hours for the safety of our staff and the public.”
While machete is used, guns are also involved in many of the robberies.
Narrinder Jaswal said he feared for his life as armed men burst into Wireless World, a Fido dealership at 128 Street and 96 Avenue.
“The gun never left their hand,” Jaswal told CTV News. “It was always on the back of my head. He told me, ‘Hey, don’t make any sudden moves or you’re going to get popped in the head.’”
Jaswal said the thieves forced him to unlock a cabinet containing merchandise. The suspects then reportedly tied Jaswal up in a back room as they made off with thousands of dollars’ worth of pricey smartphones.
“When I was laying down facing the ground, I was just, I hope these guys take whatever they want and leave me the hell alone,” he said. “You don’t want to go to a workplace in broad daylight and have to worry about getting killed.”
The store’s owner confirmed that a second and third robbery took place at a Wireless World location just five minutes away at 128 Street and 84 Avenue.
In the first incident, staff was threatened with a machete and other weapons before being tied up.
“They just took all the phones. They made us turn toward the wall and tied our legs and hands and just got everything,” employee Vijay Ahuja said. “We were really scared.”
Victims of the robberies said they’re asking for more support from police and legislators when it comes to combating violent crime.
“I don’t think anybody’s going to do anything until someone does get killed,” Jaswal said. “They’re not using little toy guns. They’re using Tasers, they’re using real guns. We don’t know what they’re going to do.”
Surrey RCMP called the robberies a “top priority” and said they have received several tips in the investigation.
Meantime, Paquet noted that anyone buying cell phones online and not through a licensed seller should be aware that the phones stolen in this series of robberies were immediately deactivated by the robbed business owners, “which in effect rendered them useless or anyone attempting to activate them afterwards.
“As a customer, always do your due diligence and be wary of meeting up with unknown persons for purchasing of these items,” he said.
Police advise people shopping for a phone to check the IMEI, or international mobile equipment identity, number on the phone at www.protectyourdata.ca to ensure it hasn’t been reported lost or stolen in Canada.
“Our Robbery Unit continues to advance these investigations by identifying persons of interest and interviewing numerous witnesses,” says Surrey RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet. “Information from the public surrounding those responsible or their associates, however, would assist greatly us in our efforts.”
