In this edition of Crime Report, three jewellery businesses were targeted in Mississauga and Hamilton in Ontario, and St. John’s, Nfld. Two of the incidents involved overnight burglaries in which vehicles were used to force entry, while a St. John’s retailer was the scene of an armed robbery during business hours.

Early-morning burglary

A jewellery business in Mississauga, Ont., was targeted in an early-morning burglary on July 30, with four masked suspects using a stolen vehicle to force entry into the store.

At approximately 4 a.m., four people wearing masks and hoodies used a stolen car to smash a small entryway into the front of the store, located in a strip plaza in the area of Erin Mills Parkway and the Queen Elizabeth Expressway. The suspects entered the premises and broke open two showcases containing a minimal amount of low-end jewellery.

They remained inside for less than one minute before leaving in a second vehicle. The alarm system activated, and the police attended shortly afterwards.

The store is equipped with anti-ram bollards and other protective devices. However, a small gap still existed, enabling burglars to drive a compact vehicle past the barriers and ram it into the storefront, creating an entry point.

Sledgehammer attack

A jewellery business in Hamilton, Ont., was burglarized on August 5 after four suspects first attempted to smash their way into the premises using sledgehammers.

on Mohawk Road East and Upper Wellington Street. When the initial attempt was unsuccessful, they used a car to smash through the front of the store.

After gaining entry, the suspects took a small quantity of jewellery that had been left outside the safe and departed less than one minute later. Hamilton police are investigating.

The incident is similar to a number of recent jewellery business burglaries in the Greater Toronto Area, many of which have involved rapid attacks against ground-floor premises. While losses of jewellery stock have often been limited, the damage to storefronts, showcases, and equipment can be considerable. It may leave businesses closed for an extended period while repairs are completed.

Armed robbery

A retail jewellery business in St. John’s, Nfld., was targeted in an armed robbery on August 4 involving a lone female suspect.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., a woman believed to be around 60 years old entered the store on Aberdeen Avenue and displayed a weapon of an unknown description. She demanded jewellery before fleeing the premises.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is investigating. Further details, including a photograph and description of the suspect, have been reported by NTV.

The incident serves as a reminder that jewellery retailers face security risks not only after closing, but also during normal business hours. Staff should be familiar with robbery procedures and prioritize personal safety during an armed incident.

Information brought to you by CJB Insurance Services Inc.