London police are trying to track down a 50-year-old St. Thomas man, wanted in connection with thefts at five local businesses.
The thefts happened between February 24 and March 22 at businesses on Springbank Drive, Southdale Road West, Commissioners Road West, and Wellington Road South.
In each case, a man accompanied by one or two other individuals would go into a business and while one person distracted the cashier, the other would swipe cash from the register.
What appeared to be a key was used to gain access to the cash register, police said.
Raymond Patrick Carvery, 50, of St. Thomas, is charged by way of warrant with five counts of theft under $5,000.
Police have yet to arrest Carvery and are also still working to identify the other people involved in the thefts. Anyone with information about this incident are asked to call police at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The thefts have prompted police to issue a reminder to store owners and employees to always keep a watchful eye over their merchandise
“We realize that the vast majority of people who enter a store are there for a legitimate and genuine purpose,” Det. Sgt. Ryan Scrivens said in a statement. “For those store owners or employees who find themselves working alone, please be mindful of any suspicious questions, conversations or diversions from prospective customers. Distraction thefts will involve more than one individual and will include attempts to draw employees away from targeted valuables including cash registers.”