Three Men Charged, One Woman Wanted in Guelph Jewelry Heists

UPDATE: Police have charged three men and are searching for a woman linked to a series of brazen smash-and-grab jewelry thefts in Guelph, Ontario. These incidents, which have sparked concern over rising crime rates in the region, occurred earlier this year and involved significant thefts totaling over $67,000.

Authorities report that the initial thefts took place in late May 2023 when two suspects, driving a stolen Chevrolet Camaro, broke into a gym and a restaurant in Guelph’s south end. Approximately $1,000 in merchandise was stolen from the gym, while the restaurant lost valuable electronics, including an iPad and a laptop.

Just under two hours later, the duo struck again at a west-end jewelry store, making off with about $60,000 worth of jewelry. This prompted a swift investigation that led police to an apartment building in Toronto. There, police allege the property manager misled them about surveillance camera functionality, and he and his daughter may have assisted one of the suspects in evading capture with the stolen goods.

In a separate incident on August 13, one of the same suspects allegedly participated in another theft using a stolen Range Rover, smashing the front door of a jewelry store on Speedvale Avenue East. This theft resulted in an additional loss of $7,700 in jewelry.

Following a months-long investigation, Guelph police executed three search warrants in Toronto, leading to the following charges:
– A 34-year-old Toronto man faces three counts of break and enter, possession of stolen property over $5,000, trafficking stolen property, disguise with intent, occupying a stolen vehicle, and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.
– A 31-year-old Toronto man is charged with four counts of break and enter, possession of stolen property over $5,000, two counts of disguise with intent, occupancy of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property under $5,000, and breaching a probation order.
– A 70-year-old Toronto man faces charges for obstructing police during the investigation.
– A 24-year-old woman is currently wanted for obstructing police and trafficking stolen property.

The two men in their 30s are set for a bail hearing on Wednesday, while the 70-year-old man will appear in court on January 16. The whereabouts of the 24-year-old woman remain unknown as police continue their search.

This surge in jewelry store smash-and-grab incidents is part of a troubling trend across Ontario. According to recent statistics compiled by CBC, there have been at least 60 similar incidents in the province this year alone. The spike in violence, particularly involving younger individuals, has raised alarms among law enforcement officials.

Peel Regional Police Insp. Sean Brennan commented on the alarming trend, stating, “You’ve got very young people committing very violent crimes. It’s kind of a new gamechanger for us. We need deterrents.”

As police continue to investigate these thefts and monitor the rising crime rates, the community remains on high alert. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity as authorities work diligently to bring those responsible to justice.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.