Convenience store owners and employees warned to be vigilant after robbery spree

Calgary police are looking for a woman believed responsible for six convenience store robberies overnight and remindingstore owners and employees to be safety conscious.

The robberies happened between 11:30 p.m. Friday and just after 6 a.m. Saturdayin the southwest and northwest quadrants of the city.

A woman went into at least six convenience stores and gas stations carrying a blunt object described as a bar or a stick and threatening staff, demanding money and cigarettes.

• MORE CALGARY NEWS|Former Calgary Stampeders linebacker suspect in killing of wife
• MORE CALGARY NEWS|Person of interest sought in Calgary assault turned deadly

The woman's face was covered but she is described as 25 to 40 years old, between five foot five and six feet tall with a slim build and blonde or brown hair.

Police said in an email surveillance photos of the suspects are not being released to assist in the investigation.

Police are also offering safety tips for store owners and employees, including:

• Ensure windows are clear and visible to outside witnesses.
• Provide ample lighting.
• Cash registers should be located so as to allow a clear view for passing motorists, pedestrians and police officers.
• Do not keep large amounts of cash on the premise.
• Use a drop safe or night deposit. When making night deposits have someone with you, stagger your delivery times and routes, and do not carry money in sight.
• Equip your business with good-quality video surveillance. If you have a system in place, ensure it is working and the camera is aligned with the cash register or doorway area.

During a robbery:

• Stay calm.
• Obey the robber's demands.
• Consider all firearms to be loaded.
• Look at the robbers notice details to aid you in describing them and their weapon. Note age, weight, height, clothing, tattoos or other distinctive marks.
• Watch the direction the offenders leave in, or if they use a vehicle, try to note the licence plate number.
• Do NOT follow.
• Call 911 when safe.
• Do not touch anything.
• Ask witnesses to wait for police.