In this edition of Crime Report, a series of mall jewellery store robberies across Ontario saw five suspects arrested following a bear spray-assisted smash-and-grab, while separate hammer-wielding thieves fled with stolen goods in two incidents, and another investigation continues with few details released.

Smash‑and‑grab at mall jewellery store leads to five arrests

On March 30, around 3:45 p.m. (EST), a co-ordinated smash‑and‑grab robbery took place at a jewellery store in the Oshawa Centre in Ontario.

Durham Regional Police stated four masked males entered the store, smashed display cases, and used bear spray inside the location, prompting the irritant to spread into the mall. A fifth person acted as a getaway accomplice in a vehicle outside.

According to CityNews, bystanders helped restrain suspects inside the mall before officers arrived. Police pursued the group after they abandoned their vehicle following a minor collision, ultimately arresting all five after a brief foot chase.

Several people suffered minor injuries from the bear spray and were treated on-scene; no serious injuries were reported.

All five suspects have been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, alongside robbery and related offences.

Police investigate morning jewellery store robbery

The Ottawa Police Service is investigating a morning theft at a jewellery store in the Bayshore Shopping Centre on March 23. Authorities report that officers arrived in response to a robbery call at a merchant located in the 100 block of Bayshore Drive. No additional details have been provided.

Jewellery store targeted in co-ordinated hammer attack

York Regional Police is conducting an investigation to identify multiple suspects involved in a high-impact burglary at a jewellery store in Hillcrest Mall, Richmond Hill, Ont.

On March 20, at approximately 5:30 p.m., officers responded to reports of three individuals, masked and armed with hammers, breaching the store’s security.

Upon entry, the suspects employed the hammers to shatter display cases. The trio then exited the premises and entered a waiting dark-coloured sedan, operated by a fourth individual.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of the suspect vehicle, which was abandoned. It was determined that the vehicle used counterfeit license plates.

Third jewellery store robbery reported at same mall

On March 16, police responded to a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewellery store inside Mapleview Centre in Burlington, Ont. This marks the third such incident at the location since January.

According to Halton Regional Police per Burlington Today, four masked suspects entered the store shortly before 4 p.m., using hammers to smash display cases and steal merchandise before fleeing. A fifth suspect is believed to have acted as the getaway driver.

No injuries were reported. The value of the stolen items has not been confirmed, and the suspects remain outstanding.

Police continue to investigate the incident as part of a series of similar robberies at the same shopping centre earlier this year.

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