Kamloops RCMP say the recent series of robberies at various local businesses this year is unusual.

There have been at least nine robberies all over the city, many with a similar M.O..

Usually, someone gets into the store with a knife or a similar weapon and demands to be given money from the cash register before leaving.

Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says robberies are often cyclical in nature.

“When one robbery occurs, it can instigate other robberies to happen,” she said. “In some situations, it’s the same suspects, and it other situations it’s copycat people who are determining that they want to attempt to rob some place and gain from it as well.”

Police have made just the one arrest so far, but they say there’s no evidence yet to link any of the robberies.

“And what will really help us is help from the public,” added Shelkie. “There’s no doubt that somebody is out there who has information about at least one of these robberies and who the suspect or suspects were.”

“That’s really what will help us break many of these investigations that are ongoing.”

Among the stores targeted was the Movie Mart downtown twice, the 7-Eleven in Sahali three times, Whispers Adult Superstore and the McCleaners on Seymour Street once each, Phyven Medical Cannabis store once, and most recently the Esso on Columbia Street West.

Last week, police were in Chase in connection with an ongoing investigation into the robbery at the the illegal cannabis store, but there’s been no word yet on any arrests.