Man, 40, charged after string of retail robberies throughout Toronto

A 40-year-old man is facing multiple charges following a string of robberies throughout Toronto over a four-month period.

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Toronto Police say officers responded to 10 robbery calls between Nov. 17, 2023 and this past Tuesday.

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Police say the robberies occurred in areas of Danforth Ave. and Pape Ave., Bloor St. E. and Sherbourne St., Bloor St. W. and Davenport Rd., Queen St. E. and Logan Ave., and Queen St. E. and Hammersmith Ave.

Cops allege that in each incident the accused entered a store while wearing a mask to disguise his identity. He approached the checkout counter posing as a customer and produced a large stick or knife and made a demand for cash and cigarettes. He then took a quantity of cash and cigarettes before fleeing the scene.

Members of the hold-up squad began an investigation and were able to identify the man, police said.

On Tuesday, members of the hold up squad along with officers from 55 Division executed a search warrant and located the accused. He was taken into police custody.

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Investigators also allege, at the time of the search, cops recovered stolen cigarettes and other items of evidentiary value.