Restaurant owners in Quebec have been facing a real scourge for several weeks, as an unscrupulous and impudent thief broke into their businesses several times in just a few days.
“It’s not complicated, I don’t sleep at night anymore. I set an alarm for 4 a.m. every day to watch my cameras,” says Antoine Paquin, owner of Les Yeux Bleus bar on Rue Saint-Jean.
On September 30th, a thief broke into his restaurant. The perpetrator managed to break into the shop and tear down the safe bolted to the floor before fleeing with money and bottles.
Photo provided by Antoine Paquin
Surveillance footage shows the thief drinking a beer after breaking into Les Yeux Bleus bar on Rue Saint-Jean in early October.
Unsatisfied with his findings, he had the courage to return to the same location a week later to do his ride a second time, despite additional security measures in the bar.
“He tried to make a hole in the plasterboard with a screwdriver to get through the wall, he’s a real madman. […] The damage and losses amount to more than $8,000,” said Mr Paquin, who has installed an alarm system since the events.
A dozen victims
According to traders contacted by Le Journal, a dozen restaurants, bars and shops have been robbed by the person in question since August. Many received his “visit” two, three and even four times within a few weeks.
“The first time he broke open a locked key box to get in. The second time, he used tools to destroy the grille of a window and smashed it to unlock the door,” says Philippe Racine, owner of Bistro Saint-Malo on Rue Saint-Paul.
A few days later, the criminal tried to break down the door a third time with a crowbar. However, the arrival of the police caused him to flee before he managed to escape. But less than 48 hours after speaking to Le Journal, Mr. Racine was again targeted by the bandit, who took the opportunity to “remove a piece of the wall.”
Photo Didier Debusschere
Philippe Racine, owner of Bistro Saint-Malo, was robbed three times by the same thief.
By comparing their camera images, the restorers were able to see that they were one and the same person. Philippe Bolduc, the owner of Phil Smoked Meat, also recognized him for hiring him last June.
“He asked me for an advance on a week’s salary and a week’s vacation. Then he disappeared into the wilderness,” he says.
Ongoing investigation
The Quebec City Police Service (SPVQ) confirms that it is aware of the situation that has prevailed in the La Cité-Limoilou sector for several weeks.
“Several retailers have reported to us that they have been victims of break-ins. The investigation is actively progressing,” said David Poitras, police spokesman.
But impatience is gradually becoming noticeable among restaurateurs, who denounce the slow progress of the file.
Photo Didier Debusschere
Ulises Sedano, owner of La Molette, shows where the thief went.
“It is disheartening to see so many businesses have been targeted and the man is still at large. “There should be a larger police presence on site,” said Ulises Sedano, owner of La Molette bakery.
Photo provided by Antoine Paquin
The suspect has not been arrested at this time.
What they said
“The third time he had nothing left to steal except a sandwich, which he ate before leaving.”
- Ulises Sedano, owner of La Molette bakery, victim of three burglaries within 12 days
“It’s more than annoying. The police have had all our pictures and his prints for weeks and have not been able to arrest him.”
- Philippe Racine, owner of Bistro Saint-Malo, victim of four burglaries in 33 days
“We have worked hard for our business and our money for years. I and all my employees are devastated.”
- Antoine Paquin, owner of the bar Les Yeux Bleus, victim of two burglaries in 8 days
“He’s good at talking, he told me I could trust him. He totally screwed me over.”
- Philippe Bolduc, owner of Phil Smoked Meat, who gave the suspect a salary advance that he never saw again.
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