Karen Hutton says she’s walking a fine line between being alert and feeling paranoid after her purse was taken at the Shoppers Drug Mart at the Mc Intyre Centre in Thunder Bay, Ont., on Saturday night.
The theft happened at the store’s self-checkout just after 10 p. m. ET, right when security guards leave for the night, according to Hutton.
She had paid for her items, put her bank card and wallet back into her purse, and then caught sight of someone out of the corner of her eye while she was bagging up her purchases.
“I didn’t really pay much attention. I thought maybe it was staff coming up to me or something and then boom, they grabbed my purse and left,” Hutton told on Monday.
Hutton described the person who took her purse as a woman with dark hair and a slim build.
Even though the woman dropped the purse as soon as she got outside, she took Hutton’s wallet. Before Hutton could cancel any of her bank cards, that woman had already made a $100 purchase at Superstore and spent $90 at a nearby gas station.
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Shoppers Drug Mart at the Mc Intyre Centre, located at 1186 Memorial Ave. in Thunder Bay, Ont. (Sarah Law/CBC)
“It seemed to be well co-ordinated,” said Hutton. “It didn’t appear to me that it was the first time or that it was just a random crime of opportunity. It seemed like they knew the timing and what they were looking for and went immediately to use my cards.”
Afterward, Hutton mentioned that when she went to replace her bank cards Monday afternoon, her friend saw a young man steal someone else’s purse.
“That was 2 o’clock in the afternoon, broad daylight,” she said.
You don’t want to wander around just being fearful all the time.- Karen Hutton, Thunder Bay resident
A number of people took to social media over the weekend to share their experiences with personal thefts in town, including one woman who reported being stolen from outside Holland Bakery on Victoria Avenue East and another person who stated they were robbed at gunpoint near Mc Donald’s on Cumberland Street North.
Staff Sgt. Chris Carlucci with the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) informed reporters on Monday that they are aware of these incidents and are actively investigating them.
Although she’s feeling shaken up, Hutton expressed gratitude that she wasn’t physically harmed.
“I guess I’ll have to be extra careful about my surroundings, but you don’t want to wander around just being fearful all the time,” she said. “[Police] are taking it seriously because apparently there’s a pattern.”
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Some of the stolen merchandise recovered by members of the Thunder Bay Police Service as part of Project Eclipse. (Submitted by Thunder Bay Police Service)
Carlucci noted that while one charged individual came from St. Catharines, most were residents of Thunder Bay itself.
The Increase in Retail Thefts Near Thunder Centre: Police
Durng Monday’s press conference, Carlucci shared findings from Project Eclipse-a lengthy investigation into retail thefts occurring in the Thunder Centre area. This investigation spanned from September 2025 until February 2026 and led to 256 charges against 59 individuals along with over $39,000 worth of stolen goods recovered.
Carlucci noted that while one charged individual came from St. Catharines, most were residents of Thunder Bay itself.
Carlucci stated he couldn’t comment on whether these incidents might be connected as investigations continue but described them as organized due to apparent planning involved.
“Thunder Bay isn’t new to this and we’re not alone in this,” he said. “The province itself is seeing a substantial increase in retail theft.”
Carlucci suggested these incidents might be increasing because “it’s definitely a crime of opportunity.”
“When we look at those we’ve charged here many come from various demographics,” he added.
“There also is significant addiction within our community which tends fuel these crimes.”
Carlucci encourages everyone experiencing thefts report directly to police; meanwhile, Hutton has some tips for shoppers on how best stay safe.
“Don’t be complacent about where your purse is or your personal items,” she advised.
If there’s an ID you don’t need all time-don’t carry it.”
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“Thunder Bay isn’t new to this and we’re not alone in this,” he said. “The province itself is seeing a substantial increase in retail theft.”
Carlucci suggested these incidents might be increasing because “it’s definitely a crime of opportunity.”
“When we look at those we’ve charged here many come from various demographics,” he added.
“There also is significant addiction within our community which tends fuel these crimes.”
Carlucci encourages everyone experiencing thefts report directly to police; meanwhile, Hutton has some tips for shoppers on how best stay safe.
“Don’t be complacent about where your purse is or your personal items,” she advised.
If there’s an ID you don’t need all time-don’t carry it.”
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