7-Eleven hit up three times by same robber this week

A 7-Eleven at risk of closing because it has been repeatedly targeted by thieves had three armed robberies this week.

The robberies, which occurred at the 120 Keewatin St. store on March 9 to 11, were during daytime.

The suspect, who had a knife and covered his face, stole $50 in merchandise each time.

On Thursday afternoon, police were waiting when the suspect tried to enter the store. He was quickly arrested.

Scott Justin Flamand, 22, faces three charges each of robbery and disguise with intent. He has no prior convictions, but was charged with mischief in November 2024.

Last year, several city councillors warned 7-Eleven was beginning to close a handful of its Winnipeg locations, and listed as many as 10 sites at risk of closure. The Keewatin Street location was one of the stores listed.

Winnipeg Police Service Const. Claude Chancy said the suspect was known to police, as well as staff at the convenience store.

“A lot of times, these individuals are known by the establishments that they frequent to perpetrate their crimes,” he said.

A staff member at the 7-Eleven said the suspect was known for stealing “every shift” but declined to comment further.

Coun. Ross Eadie (Mynarski) was one of the councillors to connect with 7-Eleven officials last year. He said the city is struggling with repeat offenders who aren’t receiving sentences that fit the crime.

“It’s armed robbery. That’s a serious offence… why aren’t they ending up (in jail) rather than out on the street?” he said.

At least six 7-Elevens have closed in Winnipeg in the last year.

In October, parent company Seven & I Holdings announced it was closing 444 stores in the U.S. and Canada, and said low sales were the reason.

The company said it plans to open 500 new locations in the U.S. and Canada until 2027.

Mayor Scott Gillingham met with 7-Eleven management in January and said crime was one factor that affected the company’s operations.

In his State of the City address Friday, the mayor said he plans to hire a senior adviser on public safety and launch a community initiative to combat rising crime.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca