PEI

Thieves use axe to break into Charlottetown clothing store

Charlottetown Police are investigating a break and enter at Island Activewear on University Avenue that happened in early Saturday morning. 

'From start to finish the whole thing took about 45 seconds'

It took thieves about 15 seconds to shatter the front door to Island Active Wear using an axe. (Charlottetown Police Department)

A Charlottetown man is in custody for his role in a break-in at a Charlottetown clothing store, where an axe was used to smash the glass door.

Charlottetown Police say the break and enter at Island Activewear on University Avenue took place in the early-morning hours Saturday. 

It happened around 3 a.m., said Deputy police Chief Brad MacConnell. When the thieves smashed their way in using an axe, it triggered an alarm, he said. 

Three suspects stole waht police called a significant quantity of brand-name jeans and Oakley sunglasses, then transferred the stolen goods into a vehicle, MacConnell said.

"From start to finish the whole thing took about 45 seconds. That's how quick things can happen," MacConnell said. 

The stolen property has not yet been recovered, he said. 

Police arrested a 49-year-old Charlottetown man around 3:45 a.m., MacConnell said.

The man has been charged with break and enter and breach of probation, and is in custody with a court date scheduled for Sept. 19, he said. 

Police said the investigation remains open. Police posted a video of the break and enter on their website and are asking anyone with information to contact them. 

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With files from Angela Walker