Truck crashes through Ancaster jewellery store in latest smash-and-grab robbery, 5 arrested

Five people are in custody following the latest smash-and-grab jewellery store robbery targeting businesses in the GTHA, this time in Ancaster.

Hamilton Police officers were called to a robbery at Ancaster Jewellers just before 9 p.m. on Thursday, where the driver of a truck reversed and crashed through the front window.

It’s alleged that the suspects pointed a firearm at the store owner before smashing the display cases. The owner, who was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, described to CityNews how he fought off a suspect who was armed with a gun.

“I threw a heavy mandrel at one of the guys and hit him in the head. He came back at me with a gun. I got this after I swiped the gun out of his hand and we fought, he hit me with a hammer in the chin,” he said, sporting bruises on his face.  

Police say they had several units in the area and were able to apprehend the suspects as they fled the store. Four men – two 18-year-old males from Scarborough, a 20-year-old male from Scarborough, a 19-year-old male from Scarborough, and one youth from Scarborough – are in custody.

They are all charged with robbery, disguise with intent, mischief over $5,000, theft over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime.

One suspect remains outstanding. He’s described as having long black hair, and a beard, and was wearing an all-black, Addidas tracksuit.  Police have released his image (below).

“The suspect is believed to be in possession of a firearm. If seen please do not approach, please contact police immediately,” said Det. Greg Blunsdon, adding investigators have good security video to assist in their search.

This robbery is the latest in a spate of smash-and-grabs across the GTA, including two in York Region this week that were caught on camera. 

On Nov. 30, a group attended Peoples Jewellers at Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke and allegedly robbed several high-priced items before fleeing the mall. No arrests have been made to date.

On Dec. 3, another Peoples Jewellers store was targeted in a smash-and-grab robbery, this time at Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, where a bystander captured the theft on video. York Regional Police investigators say they’re looking for five suspects—four in the store and a getaway driver who remained in the vehicle, which police say was previously stolen.

One day later, a group of suspects attended Lukfook Jewellery in Markville Shopping Centre and allegedly stole several items before fleeing. Six people were arrested.

“We are still actively investigating this and we have reached out to jurisdictional partners to see if this is tied to anything else,” said Blunsdon.  

Ancaster Jewellers has been in business for nearly half a century. The last time they were robbed was 25 years ago. 

“They have been in Ancaster for a very long time they have taken several precautions to protect their store and when things like this happen it is devastating,” said Blundsdon.

Shauna Hunt contributed to this story