A 29-year-old Surrey man has been arrested and charged in relation to several sandwich store robberies earlier this year.

Rupinder Jit Sooch has been charged with nine counts of robbery and seven counts of disguise with intent following a six-month investigation by the Surrey RCMP. The investigation came on the heels of a six-day spree of nine sandwich store robberies around Surrey, Delta and Langley in January and February of this year. Many of the stores robbed were Subway locations.

“The collaboration with our partner police agencies and the assistance from members of the public were instrumental in helping us remove this individual from our streets,” said Sgt. Drew Grainger. “Our robbery section has a high rate of success when it comes to arresting such individuals involved in such prolific crimes. We are happy that no one was hurt and that this investigation has come to a successful conclusion.”

According to police, the suspect would enter stores armed with a knife and disguised in a hoodie. After robbing the stores, he would then flee in a silver four-door vehicle. Nobody was injured in any of the robberies.

Following his charges, Sooch has been remanded in custody, with his next court appearance set for later this month on Aug. 22.

Surrey RCMP are taking this as an opportunity to further remind merchants and the public to remain calm in the event of a robbery and co-operate with demands. Those in robbery situations are asked to never assume a robber isn’t armed and to keep an eye out for any vehicles that may be associated with a robber. People are asked to call the police once a situation is safe.