Jewellery store robberies ‘connected’ at Conestoga Mall, Cambridge Centre Mall
Posted Dec 18, 2024 05:02:47 PM.
Last Updated Dec 19, 2024 06:29:12 PM.
There’s been another robbery at a jewellery store at a local mall, and police believe there is a connection between the two most recent heists.
The latest incident happened around 4:20 p.m. on Wednesday at Waterloo’s Conestoga Mall as five male robbers armed with hammers entered the Raffi Jewellers store, smashing display cases and stealing goods.
A spokesperson for the Waterloo Regional Police Service said the robbers sprayed bear mace as they ran out of the mall. No one was hurt but paramedics were brought in to assist anyone who was experiencing discomfort.
The robbers’ getaway vehicle was found abandoned a short time later. After a search of the area, one of the male suspects was located and arrested. He has been identified as a 22-year-old from Toronto, who is facing several charges including robbery with a weapon.
The public, including shoppers, were told to expect an extensive police presence around the mall Wednesday because of the investigation. Conestoga Mall closed for the remainder of the day after the robbery but reopened on Thursday. However, Raffi Jewellers remained closed.
The incident was reported two days after a jewellery store at Cambridge Centre mall was targeted, and investigators believe the two robberies are linked.
The Cambridge incident occurred Monday night around 8:15 p.m. and involved three male suspects who were wearing masks and wielding hammers. No one was hurt in that robbery and the suspects fled in a getaway vehicle.
Police have since released photos of three people they’re hoping to identify in connection with their investigation.
Both mall robberies happened at the height of the busy holiday shopping season.
Constable and Public Information Officer, Chris Iden, said these incidents are traumatic for the involved workers and broader community.
“It’s concerning and it’s also disappointing that our community members are being impacted by incidents like this,” said Iden.
He said police are working closely with shopping centres and businesses to try and deter these crimes.
Police noted there have been nine robberies at jewellery stores in malls in Waterloo Region this year.
