Security camera captures north Edmonton cellphone store robbery
Posted January 28, 2026 7:44 pm.
A smash-and-grab robbery at a north Edmonton cellphone shop was caught on security cameras, showing a man clearing out a display case in just under four minutes.
The footage shows the suspect smashing glass, hitching a truck to the metal frame of the door, and taking off with dozens of phones, leaving piles of shattered glass behind.
The owners of Cellular Toy Shoppe say they had confidence in their security setup but were shocked by the scale of the theft.
“We thought we were secure. We thought we did as much as we possibly could within reason for security,” said Brennan James, co-owner of Cellular Toy Shoppe.
James said cameras, alarms, and metal bars on the windows and doors were not enough to stop the suspect.
“This is what we do. We come into the community, this is how we interact with everyone. We feel lost, afraid and scared right now,” said James.
By the time James and his business partner arrived, all they could do was stare at the destruction and begin calculating damages, while working with insurance.
Edmonton police confirm they are investigating the incident.
Despite the loss, James said the owners have found comfort in the support of nearby businesses and customers for the 27-year-old business.
“We’re very touched about the response and how many people have reached out. We didn’t think we had that much of an impact on the community. We’re kind of realizing we have more than what we thought,” said James.
Community members have also organized a fundraiser to help the store recover. There is no firm date for reopening, but the owners hope to open their doors before spring.
