Two suspects have been arrested after a brazen armed robbery at North Edmonton Coin and Currency (formerly known as Northgate Stamp and Coin) this September, when more than $120,000 worth of collectible coins and currency were stolen at gunpoint.
On Oct. 11, robbery detectives with the Edmonton Police Service executed search warrants at a residential address near 60 Street and 167 Avenue.Once inside, detectives arrested Andrew Kemp, 31, without incident and charged him with robbery, possession of an offensive weapon, wearing a disguise with intent and theft of a motor vehicle.
Detectives also arrested Lee Malbeuf, 47, in a vehicle near the residence. A firearm was also discovered in the suspect’s vehicle. Malbeuf is facing charges of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon, disguise with intent, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of firearm.
Investigators successfully recovered about one third of the stolen items while searching the residence.
VIOLENT ROBBERY
It’s reported two people – a man and a woman – entered North Edmonton Coin and Currency, which is the longest-running coin and stamp shop in Edmonton, on the afternoon of Sept. 19. They stayed for upwards of 30 minutes before asking the store’s employee to see an item in a cabinet on the customers’ side of the counter.
One of the suspects quickly put a gun to the employee’s head before handcuffing him and covering his head with a jacket to obscure his vision.
The two suspects then opened the back door and allowed another male to enter the store before stealing more than $120,000 worth of inventory.
The business owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, is planning to close the doors of his north Edmonton business after the robbery not only because of the “significant value” lost but also because of his perceived lack of safety.
In August of this year, robbers used a U-Haul truck to smash into his south Edmonton store, which will remain open, and in May, he was shot at after confronting a robber. In 2011, when his north Edmonton store first opened, he was assaulted by two armed men.
THIRD SUSPECT AT LARGE
Investigators continue to search for a third suspect – a woman – who is also believed to have been involved in the heist. She is described as being white, about five feet and two inches tall, about 63.5 kilograms, and between 20 and 25 years old with short dark hair.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of this female suspect is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service complaint line at 780-423-4567; Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477; or submit an online tip at p3tips.com/250.