In this edition of Crime Report, thieves smash display cases so hard that it sounds like gunshots. Jewellery stores in Pickering, Oshawa, and Burlington are the smash-and-grab targets. Plus, a burglary spree hits Toronto’s Queen Street East, and a safe heist in Mississauga that puts one jeweller out of business.

Masked bandits strike Oshawa jewellery store

A robbery took place at the Oshawa Centre on Wednesday, Jan. 21, when a group of young males dressed in hoodies and masks entered a jewellery store.

Armed with hammers, the thieves smashed open display cases and grabbed merchandise.

One suspect has been arrested, and some stolen jewellery has been recovered, but the total value of the loss remains unknown.

Durham police are investigating and urge anyone with information to come forward.

Midday robbery disrupts peace in Burlington

Mapleview Shopping Centre became the scene of chaos as a smash-and-grab gang targeted Michael Hill Jeweller.

Around 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, four masked individuals burst into the store, using hammers to shatter display cases and grab valuable jewellery.

Witnesses initially mistook the loud clattering for gunshots, but police confirmed the noise was just the sound of smashing glass.

The thieves escaped in a dark grey Honda Civic driven by a fifth accomplice.

No injuries were reported, and the hunt is now on for the five suspects, with Halton police releasing a photo of the getaway car on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Jewellery smash‑and‑grab in Pickering sparks police search

Durham Regional Police are searching for at least four suspects after a robbery at a jewellery store inside the Shops at Pickering City Centre.

Officers responded around 5:35 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, to reports of a robbery at the Peoples Jewellers location at 1355 Kingston Rd. Police say four masked individuals entered the store and began smashing display cases.

A quantity of jewellery was taken before the suspects fled the mall in a vehicle, but no employees were physically injured, according to police.

Investigators are asking anyone who was in or around the mall between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., and who may have cellphone or dashcam footage, to contact them.

The investigation is ongoing, and since the robbery, police have arrested a 16-year-old boy from Whitby in a separate stolen vehicle case who is connected to this Pickering robbery.

Thieves target downtown Toronto jeweller

In a display of audacity, burglars targeted a lower-level unit in one of downtown Toronto’s jewellery buildings.

They forced open a ground-floor entrance, swiftly broke into a wholesaler’s office, and seized an unknown amount of goods left unsecured out of the safe.

Despite the alarm system activating, the thieves vanished within just five minutes of entering.

No further details were released.

Burglary spree hits Toronto’s Queen Street East

A recent string of burglaries at 55 Queen Street East in downtown Toronto has local business owners on edge.

Three separate break-ins were reported in January, a stark contrast to the area’s historically low burglary rates.

The first incident occurred overnight between January 17 and 18, targeting a wholesale business on the third floor, where items left out of a safe were stolen.

Just days later, on January 22-23, two more businesses on the 12th floor were hit.

In all cases, burglars swiftly grabbed valuables without attempting to break open safes.

No further details were provided.

Safe heist at Mississauga flea market

In a brazen act of theft, an unidentified individual or group broke into a local flea market in Mississauga, ON, sometime in December 2025.

The incident took place near Dundas St. West and Mavis Road, targeting a jewellery business within the market.

Authorities report that a safe was stolen, likely to be cracked open elsewhere.

As a result of this daring break-in, the jewellery business has since shut its doors for good.

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