Police in Ladysmith and Duncan were kept hopping Wednesday, March 16, responding to three separate robberies.
“Robberies, that’s robberies with an ’s’.” Cpl. Krista Hobday, media relations officer with the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP reported next day.
At about 4:10 p.m. a lone man ‘entered’ the Island Savings Credit Union on Drinkwater Road. A short time later the Royal Bank on First Avenue in Ladysmith was robbed.
“It is unknown at this time if the two robberies are linked, as the investigation is still very fluid,” Hobday said. “The Forensic Identification Unit and the Police Dog Service have contributed their expertise.”
RCMP have several leads, she said. “The two detachments and resources from the Island District General Investigation Section out of Victoria are liaising with each other.”
A third robbery occurred at 8:24 p.m. at the 49th Parallel Grocery Store on Oak Street in Chemainus. RCMP said 56 year-old James Miller has been remanded in custody for that incident. He was scheduled to appear in Provincial Court in Duncan March 22.
Cowichan Valley Regional RCMP Victim Services and Ladysmith RCMP Victim Services were made available to anyone who needed to speak with them about the incidents.
The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are asking anyone with information about any of these robberies to call 250-748-5522, or alternately Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers.
