Two charged in violent robbery at Kitsilano clothing store

Two people have been arrested and charged following a violent robbery at an Arc’teryx clothing store in Vancouver on Monday evening.

Police say suspects entered the shop on West 4th Avenue near Yew Street and used bear spray before allegedly stealing $25,000 in merchandise.

The pair left in a taxi before police arrived.

The VPD says officers were able to locate two suspects and retrieve the merchandise shortly after the robbery, thanks to an eyewitness who took a photo of the licence plate.

Const. Tania Visintin says a security guard was hit with bear spray during the incident. Paramedics treated him, with police saying he was otherwise unharmed.

She say police are seeing an increase in an alarming trend.

“We have noticed an uptick in violent robbery,” Visintin said. “Just like in this case where weapons are used: bear spray, guns, imitation guns, hammers, batons. All of that.”

Thirty-five-year-old Anthony Britch has been charged with theft, assault, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, while 30-year-old Alana DaSilva has been charged with theft.

Britch remains in police custody until he is set to make a court appearance. DaSilva has been released on court-ordered conditions.

With files from The Canadian Press.