Police say thieves used backhoe to smash into pharmacy, steal precriptions

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – They’re being dubbed the ‘Backhoe Bandits.’

Newfoundland police say a pair of alleged thieves resorted to some unusual tactics to break into a pharmacy in St. John’s on Monday at about 6:20 a.m.

Officers say the suspects used a stolen backhoe to force their way into the pharmacy — causing damage to the business — before fleeing on foot with a large quantity of medications, including narcotics.

Police say one of the suspects was wearing an orange safety-type jacket, while another was wearing a red hoodie with the number 72 on the back in white.

They’re warning people that prescription medication can be hazardous if not consumed properly.

Last Friday, they say somebody stole a backhoe to bust through the Lawtons on Topsail Road in Paradise, where an ATM was taken. (VOCM)

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