Authorities from York Regional Police and Durham police are currently looking into separate incidents involving jewellery store robberies that took place this week. One incident occurred in Vaughan and ended as a failed attempt, while the other incident in Oshawa led to multiple arrests following a dramatic pursuit.
In the Vaughan incident on Tuesday afternoon, a man entered a jewellery store near Famous Avenue and Colossus Drive and tried to prop open the inner door after speaking with staff. However, the employees were able to quickly close the door. Shortly after, six masked individuals arrived in a dark SUV, with at least one of them carrying a hammer. Finding the doors locked, the group fled in their vehicle without stealing anything. No injuries were reported, and authorities are seeking witnesses or information from the public.
The next morning in Oshawa, Durham Regional Police responded to an armed robbery at Paris Jewellers inside the Oshawa Centre. Four males stormed the store, smashing display cases with hammers and a pickaxe before escaping with stolen jewellery. A fifth suspect drove the getaway SUV, which was pursued along Hwy. 401 into Ajax. With the assistance of the K9 Unit, all five suspects were apprehended after abandoning the vehicle. Fortunately, no employees were harmed during the incident.
Among the suspects apprehended, some were already on release orders from previous offenses, including two young offenders facing robbery charges. The individuals arrested include Ahnaf Sami, 19, and several male teenagers from Toronto, each facing various charges related to robbery and property offenses. All five suspects were detained for a bail hearing.
The investigation into the Vaughan incident is ongoing, with York police urging anyone with pertinent information to come forward. Similarly, Durham police continue to investigate the Oshawa robbery.