Teens charged after ‘violent’ jewelry store robberies in Mississauga, Brampton

Two 16-year-old boys and a 17-year-old face robbery and other charges in connection with several “violent smash-and-grab” heists that targeted jewelry stores in Mississauga and Brampton.

Robbery investigators with Peel Regional Police said the robberies took place between Jan. 19 and Feb. 4 at two Mississauga jewelry stores and another in Brampton — all located in “shopping mall settings.”

Police added that in all cases, a number of male suspects “rushed into the jewelry store armed with hammers and pry bars. Once inside the store, (they) began smashing glass display cases and removing merchandise with no regard for the safety of customers or employees.”

The culprits then fled the scene each time in a stolen car, police said.

In addition to three arrests, police say they have also recovered the stolen vehicle used in the heists.

A 16-year-old boy, of Kitchener, is charged with:

• three counts of robbery
• three counts of disguise with intent
• three counts fail to comply with undertaking
• three counts fail to comply with sentence of disposition
• possession of property obtained by crime

A 17-year-old boy, of Nova Scotia, is charged with:

• two counts each of robbery, disguise with intent and fail to comply with release order

A 16-year-old boy, of Toronto, is charged with:

• robbery
• wear disguise with intent

The accused youths cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. They were held for bail hearings, police said.

Police said they anticipate more arrests and charges as their investigation continues.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to call police at 905-453-2121, ext. 3410, or Peel Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.