Date: Mon Nov  2 11:51:50 2009
Subject: PA/MRU #09-539 PHARMACY ROBBERY ARREST
From: Michael Nunn

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             CITYBEAT - CITY OF CALGARY PRESS RELEASE
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A two-pronged citywide operation to tackle pharmacy robberies
has led to a man being charged in connection with ten
pharmacy robberies, while over 200 pharmacies have been
provided with crime prevention stratagies.

The man arrested has been charged with 33 offences connected
to nine pharmacy robberies in Calgary, and one in Okotoks,
between Sept. 28 and Oct. 27, 2009.

All ten pharmacies were targeted by a man who threatened
staff and demanded oxycontin. In some offences the suspect
was masked and carried a firearm.

The pharmacies targeted include the Braeside Pharmacy on
Braeside Drive, the Paragon Pharmacy on 14 Street, S.W.
(twice), the Paragon Pharmacy on Elbow Drive S.W., the
Paragon Pharmacy on Crowchild Trail, the Britannia Pharmacy
on 49 Avenue S.W., the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy on Crowfoot
Circle N.W. (twice), Symons Valley IDA on Centre Street North
and Rexall Drugs in Okotoks.   

Following a citywide operation lead by District 2, and
supported by officers across Calgary, a man was arrested on
Friday, Oct.30, 2009, in the southeast.

Cory Alan SHARLOW, 31, of no fixed address, has been charged
with 33 offences including robbery, possession of a weapon
and having his face masked. 

He has been remanded in custody and had his first court
appearance this morning, Monday Nov. 2, 2009.

The investigation continues and further charges are pending.


As part of the citywide operation, District 3 officers, and
the Crime Preventions Unit, have been working with pharmacies
across Calgary to provide crime prevention and target
hardening strategies, as well as tips on what staff should do
in the event of a robbery. 

Police have held a meeting with key personnel from the main
pharmacy chains and disseminated crime prevention information
to 204 pharmacies in Calgary including independent
businesses. 

The Calgary Police Service continues to work with, and meet,
pharmacy representatives to address best practices for
handling narcotics.

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Public Email Contact: 

    cps@calgarypolice.ca

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