York Regional Police (YRP) have arrested six suspects in connection with a brazen smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in the CF Markville Mall. The incident, which occurred shortly after 12 p.m., was captured on video obtained by CTV News Toronto.
The footage shows at least 10 individuals violently smashing the store’s window panes and door with hammers before stealing an unknown quantity of items. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
According to YRP spokesperson Const. Kevin Nebrija, the suspects fled the mall in a Honda Civic but collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Highway 7 and McCowan Road. Occupants of the other vehicle were taken to the hospital as a precaution.
Responding officers apprehended four suspects at the scene and later located two more hiding in a washroom of a nearby food establishment. “We are still working to determine the exact number of outstanding suspects,” said Const. Nebrija.
This is the second smash-and-grab robbery in York Region this week. On Monday, five suspects targeted a jewelry store in Richmond Hill’s Hillcrest Mall in a similar incident. However, Const. Nebrija stated there is no evidence linking the two robberies.
“We understand the concern about the motives and methods in these incidents, but there’s no information to suggest they are connected at this time,” he said.
Const. Nebrija acknowledged the public’s heightened concern following these violent incidents. “The sound of hammers smashing glass is alarming and not something anyone expects to hear while shopping. We urge the public to avoid intervening and to report such incidents immediately,” he advised.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to identify the remaining suspects and assess the full extent of the theft.
For further updates, please contact York Regional Police.