Criminals know the potential of lottery scratch tickets that have the potential to make people millionaires. They go above and beyond in order to bag cash, such as the recently arrested 22-year-old who realized eight robberies including both cash and lottery tickets across Toronto and in the Peel area. Just recently, he targeted a computer store, where he stole a CA$4,000 computer configuration.
Lottery ticket thieves want to get the chance to win some of the grand prizes available via instant lottery tickets, but they skip one crucial step that makes the entire game legal – the purchase of said tickets. Instead, individuals across Toronto and the area have been putting their thievery skills to the test over the past few months with more and more individuals making attempts at stealing lottery tickets and making off with them.
The 22-Year-Old Used Handgun and Disguise
The individual that was arrested only recently was identified as Alexander Assing, a 22-year-old resident of Toronto that has been performing the robberies. Police officers have been looking for him for several weeks now until they caught him on March 22. The arrest itself included an attempt of escaping and violent behavior of the man.
The stolen lottery tickets, as well as the cash, were later located and the officers charged him with possession of property obtained by crime. In addition to that, he was also charged with the robberies he committed using a black handgun, theft under CA$5,000, and disguise with intent. The level of preparedness he had prior to the robberies across seven retail locations in Toronto and one in the Peel area showed his intentions.
During all robberies he was wearing a black mask on his face, hiding all distinguishable features, with which his approach was different than previous instances of lottery ticket thieves in the area. Hidden by the mask, he would make his way to the cashier and demand cash and lottery tickets that could end up increasing his funds even further.
Ontario Thieves Become Braver
The investigation that has been ongoing for the past few months showed that the first retail store robbery took place on November 21, 2018, and continued until March 20 with some pauses between the crimes. The authorities upon his arrest also obtained the air pistol Mr. Assing supposedly used during his robberies. It was also confirmed that this February saw another robbery performed by the criminal, this time involving a pc system.
The court hearing was scheduled for March 23. The region of Ontario has seen a surge in criminal activity directly involving stealing lottery tickets from retail locations. Earlier this month an individual managed to steal lottery tickets worth CA$1,000 from several locations in Orillia. In every single of the six instances of robbery his face was visible on the surveillance footage, which made easier the investigation process.
Police officers are seeking information from locals that might know him. The numerous robberies took place in a matter of several hours between 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. In addition to the lottery tickets, he was also able to obtain cigarettes. For the time being all permanent residents of the city, as well as anyone in possession of information could get in touch with Orillia OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or 705-326-3536.
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