It's become a repeat issue that no business owner wants to deal with, but even after installing extensive security measures, the Vilna Pharmacy has once again become the victim of theft.
Lois Scheerschmidt, is a pharmacist and friend to Rashida Yamani. Yamani is the pharmacist and owner of the small business. Last week, Scheerschmidt was in Vilna helping run the pharmacy for a few days while Yamani was away.
Early Friday morning, suspects caused extensive damage to the building. In November of 2018, a break-in at the same business resulted in thousands of dollars worth of damage, and some product being stolen. In an effort to prevent break-ins, the business installed extensive security measures.
So, while Scheerschmidt says they know exactly when most recent the break-in occurred thanks to the cameras, it didn't stop the incident from occurring.
“From a security perspective . . . they’ve done everything they possibly could,” said Scheerschmidt.
She added that one of the most unfortunate parts of the incident is that the pharmacy, like many small businesses in the area, provide specialized services to people in the region. If thefts like this continue to occur, it could reach a point where it's not feasible to continue to do business. And that is unfortunate for law abiding citizens who depend on the service, says Scheerschmidt.
Scheerschmidt said the owners of the pharmacy are community minded people, and it's hard to see her friends go through this situation repeatedly. She adds that the only fortunate part of the break-in is that it occurred while the business was closed and no one was in the building.
RCMP confirmed the break-in through a media release on Monday. The incident occurred at about 5:15 a.m. on Sept. 6, according to RCMP.
"Four suspects entered the pharmacy after smashing a front window and stole various items inside," reads the media release. "The suspects were wearing dark hoodies, dark pants and running shoes while in disguise. The suspects then fled the area in a dark older pick up truck."
Smoky Lake RCMP are asking the public's assistance for any information in relation to this incident and help identifying those responsible.
Please contact Smoky Lake RCMP at (780) 656-3550 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
