Urgent Search on for Suspects After Newmarket Mall Smash-and-Grab

UPDATE: A brazen smash-and-grab robbery at Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket has left authorities scrambling for answers. The incident occurred just after 3:30 p.m. on December 16, 2023, when a group of suspects armed with hammers stormed a jewelry store, leading to a chaotic scene.

York Regional Police confirm that they are actively searching for three to four masked suspects following the shocking theft at Peoples Jewellers. Eyewitness video shows the suspects in dark clothing smashing display cases and grabbing jewelry before fleeing the scene in a dark-colored SUV.

In a rapid response, several police officers and security personnel were present at the mall for the annual Holiday Heroes Toy Drive. Officers rushed to the jewelry store but were met with violence as they attempted to apprehend the robbers. According to Stf. Sgt. Peter Cheung, the suspects pepper-sprayed an officer and two security guards, causing minor injuries. The injured were treated on-site, though it is unclear if they required hospital care.

“While this event is kind of alarming, officers and security personnel reacted quickly to intervene,”

said Cheung during a press briefing outside the mall.

Fortunately, the mall remained open, and emergency responders managed to mitigate any contamination from the pepper spray. However, the mall’s patrons and customers were understandably shaken, as both shoppers and employees were present during the incident.

This robbery marks the second incident of its kind at Upper Canada Mall in less than a month, raising concerns about security in the area. In the previous incident, suspects were apprehended shortly after the theft at a different store.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about this latest robbery to contact York Regional Police or mall security. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

As the search for the suspects continues, a significant police presence remains at the mall, and the public is advised to avoid the area while the investigation unfolds. The value of the stolen jewelry has not been disclosed yet, as officials work to gather more details.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The swift actions of law enforcement and security highlight the ongoing challenges of retail safety, prompting a call for increased vigilance from the community.