In this edition of Crime Report, a brazen daylight robbery at Georgian Mall involves hammers and pepper spray. Plus, an early-morning robbery at a Yorkville jewellery store.

Hammers, pepper spray used in brazen jewellery store robbery

Five suspects, all teenagers, are in custody following a bold jewellery store robbery at Georgian Mall in Barrie.

Police say the incident happened around 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, when five people wearing hoodies and masks used hammers to smash display cases and steal jewellery of unknown value.

Authorities say pepper spray or bear spray was discharged during the robbery, possibly aimed at a security officer.

One suspect, a 14-year-old boy, was detained inside the mall by off-duty police officers. The remaining four fled in a stolen vehicle, which was later found abandoned in a ditch in Essa Township.

Investigators say all five suspects, aged 14 to 17, were arrested within two hours of the robbery.

Early-morning break-in at Yorkville jewellery store

Police are investigating a burglary at a jewellery store in Toronto’s Yorkville area.

Officials say the break-in happened around 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, when an unknown number of people entered the business. No employees were on site at the time.

Authorities report considerable damage to the store’s front window, which is believed to have been the point of entry.

It is not yet known whether any stock was taken, and no further details have been released.

Information brought to you by CJB Insurance Services Inc.