Regional police renewing focus on robberies and violent crime

Last year will likely go down in the books as the year of smash-and-grab, jewellery store robberies in Waterloo Region.

Police responded to such nine robberies, most of them targeting stores in Fairview Mall, Conestoga Mall and the Cambridge Centre.

Police Chief Mark Crowell told The Mike Farwell Show with technological advancements like digital currency and online banking, crimes like bank robberies have declined, so thieves have turned to other targets in search of a quick payday.

“Jewellery stores are one of those places were people can find, very quickly, things they can turn into cash. They can melt it down, they can trade it,” he said.

Crowell noted, especially when it comes to malls, these robberies present a clear danger to the public.

“Malls should be a place where people are free to go to feel safe and conduct business and certainly to shop, free from threats of violence.”

The chief went on to say the force is working with the malls, the stores and security to provide as much support, education and planning as possible to deal with these issues.

There was actually a decline in robberies in the region last year, Crowell said. In 2024 they recorded 267 robberies, the year before there were 280, but he added they remain a major priority.

“Robberies are among our top concurs in the region, in terms of crime suppression. So, that’s why we’re focusing our efforts on prolific offenders and prolific offences.”

Police have been working to update their crime suppression strategy, as Crowell said they plan to release the updated plan next week.