York Regional Police (YRP) investigators say several suspects are in custody after a wild smash-and-grab jewellery store robbery in Markham on Wednesday afternoon that was captured on video by stunned bystanders.
YRP says the robbery took place just after 12 p.m. at a store in the McCowan Road and Highway 7 area.
Videos posted to social media show numerous suspects smashing the front windows at Lukfook Jewellery in Markville Shopping Centre and grabbing items that were on display.
Markville Mall robbery at LukFuk jewellery just in !!! pic.twitter.com/WHLm5poXji
— Rosanna (@rosannaanisi1) December 4, 2024
Police say a foot pursuit followed and a number of suspects were apprehended. An unknown number of suspects managed to get away.
Some of the suspects were involved in a car crash as they tried to flee, injuring two people in the other vehicle, a YRP spokesperson said.
“No injuries were reported as a result of the robbery, but as the suspects were fleeing they crashed into a vehicle and two occupants of the victim’s car were taken to hospital as a precaution,” a YRP spokesperson said.
Six suspects are currently in custody, with more outstanding, the spokesperson said.
“We do not yet have information regarding those arrested,” the spokesperson added. “While charges will be laid, it’s too early to speak to exactly what charges the accused parties will face.”
Markville mall robbery just in LukFuk jewelry December 4 today!!! pic.twitter.com/bDb5IOymjI
— Rosanna (@rosannaanisi1) December 4, 2024
It’s the latest in a series of similar robberies at GTA jewellery stores.
On Monday afternoon, four suspects robbed the Peoples Jewellers store in Hillcrest Mall, smashing display cases and escaping to awaiting getaway vehicle driven by a fifth suspect.
“One suspect assaulted an employee, while the three other suspects smashed open jewellery display cases,” a police release states. “The suspects stole a quantity of jewellery and fled to an awaiting Nissan Maxima. The vehicle has since been recovered.”
A similar crime was committed at Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke, where multiple suspects allegedly entered a jewellery store on Saturday afternoon and began smashing the display cases before making off with an unknown quantity of items.
