BANK ROBBERIES SKYROCKET, DRUG ADDICTION BLAMED

Robbers have hit Victoria banks as many times this year than in all of 2005.

Nine financial institutions have been robbed since the beginning of
the year, said Acting Insp. Les Sylven. This compares to nine last
year and 12 in 2004.

Sylven pointed to drug addiction as the most likely explanation for
the high numbers, saying robberies are typically crimes of desperation.

Dwayne Kevin Tomren is charged in robberies at two Scotiabank
branches: on June 6 at 702 Yates St. and on June 9 at 2669 Douglas
St. Tomren also is charged with the June 7 robbery of a Rogers Video
store at 2631 Quadra St. and a June 8 robbery at the Barking Lot Dog
Spa, 1841 Oak Bay Ave.

The HSBC branch at 752 Fort St. was robbed June 15. Police arrested a
suspect an hour later. The 40-year-old man, whose identity has not
been released, is charged with robbery, possession of stolen
property, possession of cocaine and police obstruction.