Youths arrested, charged in series of iPhone thefts in Braeside

Two youths, aged 12 and 16, are charged in connection with the thefts of three iPhones in late January. (Pexels/Tuur Tisseghem)

Two youths are facing charges for their roles in a scheme to steal iPhones from victims looking to sell the devices online.

Calgary police say a 12-year-old and 16-year-old are each charged with robbery and possession of a dangerous weapon after three separate incidents in Braeside last month.

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Officials say the first occurred on Jan. 24, where a woman had arranged to meet someone who was interested in buying the iPhone.

When the victim arrived in the 11000 block of Braniff Road S.W., she was confronted by two young boys who bear sprayed her and stole the iPhone.

Then, on Jan. 25 and 26, two more people arrived at the same location to each meet a buyer for their iPhone.

Police say two young boys attacked each victim with bear spray, stole the iPhones and fled on foot.

CPS began an investigation and, on Feb. 6, executed a search warrant on a Braeside home.

Officials say five cellphones, three cans of bear spray, a pellet gun and more than $22,000 worth of new clothing, believed to be stolen, was found at the home.

Police say clothing, believed to have been worn during the robberies, was also located.

The youths are scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 28 and cannot be named due to the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Anyone with information about these, or similar incidents, is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APP: P3 Tips