Groups of teens using Edmonton LRT system to carry out crime spree, police say

Edmonton police issued a warning Tuesday aboutgroups of teensusing thecity's LRTsystemto rob people oflaptops, cellphones and clothing.

Since the summer months, police have been dealing with a rash of personal robberies, thefts and mischief calls, all involving groups of young people between 13 and 18 years old.

The groups, which can numberanywhere between four and 12 teens, are believed to be responsible for more than 60 crimes between Augustand mid-January,police said.

Personal robberies, shoplifting, thefts, disturbances and assaults linked to the teens have been reported at Belvedere, Southgate and Century Park LRT stations, at convenience and grocery stores, and theClareview, Terwillegar and Saville recreation centres.

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The incidentsare seen as"crimes of opportunity," said police, who warnLRTusers toconceal their valuables, avoid walking alone and report any suspicious activity to police.

Five people have been charged in connection with the crimes.The suspects are minors and can not be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Anyone with information about the crimes or the young people involved is asked to contact Edmonton police.