Update: Charges laid in poppy box theft

One man has been arrested and charged following two poppy box thefts that occurred last week.

At approximately 7 a.m., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, a man entered a gas station located in the 0 to 100 block of Shawville Boulevard S.E., and approached the till. The man asked the clerk to purchase cigarettes, and while the clerk was distracted, the man grabbed a poppy donation box on the counter and concealed it in his jacket. The man then left the store without completing his purchase.

On Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, police received a tip from the public in relation to the identity and location of the man.

Upon further investigation, officers believe that the same man was also responsible for a second poppy box theft that occurred at approximately 2 p.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023, at a restaurant located in the 0 to 100 block of 61 Avenue S.E.

As a result, Ian Patrick GIBBONS, 40, of Calgary, has now been charged with two counts of theft under $5,000. GIBBONS was also charged with five outstanding warrants for unrelated incidents. GIBBONS will next appear in court on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023.

Investigators would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance, which was instrumental in identifying this individual.

Case #CL23820276/4257