Loss prevention officers at Vancouver store slashed by mask thief

Photo: Unsplash/Mika Baumeister

Face masks are apparently becoming so valuable they are being stolen off store shelves.

Vancouver Police say on Monday evening a man walked into an East Vancouver store and picked up some packages of face masks. Two loss prevention officers in the store saw him allegedly conceal the masks and attempt to walk out, neglecting to pay for the masks.

When they confronted the alleged thief, he cut each of their hands with a sharp object and fled.

A few hours later, a VPD officer spotted the suspect, who was arrested for theft and assault with a weapon, and taken to jail.

The two loss prevention officers’ injuries were minor and did not require hospital treatment.