Four charged after fragrance thefts at several Hamilton Shoppers Drug Marts

Police arrested four people from Hamilton in connection with a series of fragrance product robberies at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across the city.

Hamilton officers say the investigation began last month after multiple reports of theft of high-value fragrance products.

Detectives say over time, the incidents appeared to be escalating, with suspects using hammers to smash glass display cases, before allegedly stealing large quantities of perfume and cologne products.

Investigators say on Thursday at around 9 p.m., three male suspects had attended the Shoppers Drug Mart at 661 Upper James St., before one of them allegedly used a hammer to break into display cabinets. They then fled the area with the stolen merchandise in a grey Nissan Rogue.

No one was reported injured in that incident.

Hours later at around 1:49 a.m., police responded to reports of a robbery at the Shoppers Drug Mart at 510 Concession St.

Detectives say three male suspects had allegedly entered the store with hammers, smashed display cases, took fragrance products and fled the area.

Later that morning at around 10:32 a.m., officers say a third robbery took place at the Shoppers Drug Mart at 1000 Golf Links Rd., where suspects had allegedly aggressively smashed glass display cabinets while employees and customers fled the area in fear.

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Police say they located the suspect vehicle and arrested four people without incident.

During the arrest, investigators seized two backpacks containing perfume and cologne products, which had Shoppers Drug Mart stickers on them, one hammer, a crowbar, and a single knife.

Officers believe the seized items were used during the robberies. The investigation is linked to 13 reported thefts and robberies across Hamilton since April, with reported losses exceeding $21,000.

Police have charged 21-year-old Damian Bent-Gale with three counts of robbery and nine counts of theft under $5,000.

They charged 27-year-old Deshawn Davidson with three counts of robbery, two counts of theft under $5,000 and for failing to comply with probation.

Officers charged 35-year-old Brandon Ferris and 40-year-old Nicole Martin each with three counts of robbery.

All accused parties were held for bail hearings.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact police at 905-546-3886.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or via their website.

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