Two arrested in Calgary eyewear theft that stole more than $700,000 from Vaskis Optique
Two men have been arrested after a violent Calgary eyewear theft at Vaskis Optique on July 8, when more than $700,000 in high-end frames were taken and substantial damage was caused. The alleged offenders were identified through CCTV and witness accounts and were arrested by Calgary police on July 12. Court appearances for the two accused are scheduled in August.
Violent theft at Vaskis Optique
The theft at Vaskis Optique in northwest Calgary began when a man entered the store posing as a customer and later returned with an accomplice, Calgary police say. Staff were attacked and display cases were smashed during the incident, allowing the suspects to leave with a large quantity of eyewear. Police estimate the value of the stolen goods at more than $700,000 and report roughly $14,000 in property damage to the store.
Sequence of events on July 8
According to police, the first interaction occurred at about 11:40 a.m. when one suspect asked to see high-end items but left without buying anything. The same man is alleged to have returned at approximately 1:15 p.m. accompanied by a second man described by investigators as disguised. The two then assaulted two employees, broke glass cases and fled the scene carrying bags believed to contain the stolen eyewear.
Off-duty officer and surveillance aid identification
An off-duty police officer observed the suspects disposing of clothing in a nearby dumpster before they ran off with the bags, officials said. Surveillance footage from the store and neighbouring businesses, together with witness statements, helped investigators confirm the identities of the two men. Those investigative leads culminated in arrests two days later on July 12.
Additional break-and-enter alleged to involve suspects
Investigators determined the two men were also involved in a separate break-and-enter on July 11 in the 1100 block of 44th Street S.E. that occurred between 6 p.m. and 10:50 p.m., police noted. That incident is being treated as unrelated to the eyewear theft in motive but linked to the same suspects through evidence gathered during the Calgary Police Service’s probe. Police continue to examine whether there are further incidents connected to the pair.
Charges, identities and court dates
Calgary police have charged two men in connection with the Vaskis Optique robbery and the subsequent matters. Matthew John Woodson, 39, of Strathmore faces two counts of robbery, two counts of unlawful confinement and one count of intimidation, and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, Aug. 6. Cyle Sebastian Franklin, 32, of Calgary is charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of unlawful confinement and one count of disguise with intent; his first court appearance is listed for Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Financial loss and impact to the business
The combined value of the stolen eyewear exceeds $700,000, with business owners reporting approximately $14,000 in physical damage to fixtures and displays. High-end optical products often carry significant retail and replacement costs, and the loss may have an outsized effect on a small specialty retailer’s inventory and cash flow. Vaskis Optique and insurers will now assess inventory records and loss claims as part of recovery and damage mitigation efforts.
Calgary police have appealed to the public for additional information and urged anyone with video footage from the area on July 8 to come forward. Investigators also continue to canvass nearby businesses for further surveillance that could establish the suspects’ movements before and after the incident.
The accused remain before the courts on the stated dates and are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Police say the investigation is ongoing and further charges or related arrests cannot be ruled out as inquiries continue.
