A Saanich 7-Eleven was robbed at knife point early Tuesday morning, the third time the convenience store has been targeted in less than three months.

A man brandishing a switchblade-style knife entered the store at Tillicum and Carey roads Sept. 10 around 1:30 a.m. demanding cash and cigarettes. He fled southbound on Tillicum Road after receiving an undisclosed amount of money and a carton of cigarettes.

The suspect is described as a man in his mid-20s with an average height. He was wearing  white shorts, a black hooded sweatshirt, a black mask and sunglasses.

“Investigators believe there is a nexus between this (robbery) and one of the other previous incidents,” said Saanich police Sgt. Steve Eassie.

The same 7-Eleven was also robbed in the early morning hours on June 25 and July 15. In both cases a weapon was produced.

“This (recent robbery) would be more similar to the incident in June, based on the description of the individual and the clothing description and the manner in which the individual approached the store,” Eassie said.

He said investigators have a possible suspect relating to the July incident.

Following the July robbery, officers advised the owners of the 7-Eleven store that a good crime deterrent is to have at least two employees working at all times.

While two employees were working Tuesday morning, one of them had just left to go into a storage room before the incident occurred.

“In most cases, these and others, it appears to be evident that people sit and watch to ensure no customers are present in the store. Likely they’re sitting and watching for the other employee to leave,” Eassie said.

Police are asking anyone with information on any of these incidents to call 250-475-4321.

kslavin@saanichnews.com