Calgary Man Charged With Theft of Poppy Boxes

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) has arrested and charged a man following two poppy box thefts that occurred last week.

According to the police, at approximately 7am, 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. He reportedly asked to purchase cigarettes, but grabbed a poppy donation box, while the clerk was distracted. He left the store without completing his purchase.

Police say they received a tip from the public in relation to the identity and location of the man. However, upon further investigation, the police believe that the same man was also responsible for a second poppy box theft that transpired at approximately 2pm, on Tuesday, Oct, 31, 2023, at a restaurant located in the 0 to 100 block of 61 Avenue S.E.

The police have now charged 40-year-old Ian Patrick Gibbons of Calgary, with two counts of theft under $5,000. Gibbons was also charged with five outstanding warrants for unrelated incidents. Gibbons will reportedly appear in court on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023.

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