Man charged for theft of poppy boxes from Calgary businesses

Poppy box thefts occurred on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31

Published Nov 06, 2023  •  Last updated 16 minutes ago  •  1 minute read

The CPS is seeking the public's help in identifying a man believed to have stolen from a poppy box. Photo by Supplied

Calgary police have laid charges in relation to the theft of two poppy boxes from separate businesses last week.

Police say early on Oct. 30, a man entered a gas station on Shawville Boulevard S.E. in the community of Shawnessy and approached the till. They say the man asked for a pack of cigarettes and, while the clerk’s back was turned, grabbed a poppy donation box before leaving without making a purchase.

Article content

Police released photos of the man last week and received a tip on Saturday that led to his identification. Further investigation led officers to believe the same man is responsible for another poppy box theft that occurred on Oct. 31 at a restaurant on 61st Avenue S.E.

Calgarian Ian Patrick Gibbons, 40, has been charged with two counts of theft under $5,000 and faces further charges related to five outstanding warrants for other incidents.

Gibbons is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 20.

[email protected]

X: @MichaelRdrguez

Article content

Article content