Masked robbers targeted 11 Winnipeg businesses in less than 2 weeks, police say
2 men charged after employees forked over cash in armed robberies
Two men have been charged after 11 Winnipeg businesses were hit by masked robbers in the first two weeks of 2025, police say.
Multiple robberies at a number of hotels and licensed establishments, including bars and restaurants, happened in Winnipeg from Jan. 1 to 10, police said in a news release Friday.
Two masked men armed with a handgun and bear spray sought video lottery terminal money and/or cash from employees at the targeted businesses, police said. They used stolen licence plates in order to avoid being detected.
"It's not something we see that often, and I wouldn't say it's on the rise, but it does happen from time to time," Const. Stephen Spencer said at a news conference Friday.
No one was injured in the robberies, Spencer said. One victim said the men had a hand grenade, but Spencer said that has not been verified.
Two men were arrested separately on Tuesday in connection with the robberies, Spencer said.
"In their minds, they figured out a niche of where they wanted to try and take advantage of some lounges and get some money," he said.
A 41-year-old man has been charged with nine counts of armed robbery using a restricted or prohibited firearm, robbery and theft under $5,000, as well as two counts of possessing less than $5,000 worth of property obtained by crime and 10 counts of disguise with intent.
A 33-year-old man was charged with three counts of failing to comply with a release order, ten counts of armed robbery using a restricted or prohibited firearm, robbery, theft under $5,000, as well as possessing less than $5,000 worth of property obtained by crime.
He was also charged with possessing a weapon and possessing methamphetamine.
Both are known to police and were detained in custody, Spencer said. Police are working to determine whether any more people were involved.
Police alerted Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries and the Manitoba Hotel Association when they started to suspect the robberies were connected.
Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to contact police at 204-986-6219, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS or on their website.