On Thursday, 23rd May, a downtown Guelph jewellery store was the target of a robbery, resulting in the theft of approximately $200,000 worth of merchandise.
The incident occurred at Knar Jewellery in St. George’s Square shortly before closing time. Three suspects, armed with hammers, forcibly entered the store, smashed display cases, and fled the scene within minutes.
Details of the Incident
Guelph Police received a report of the robbery in progress just before 5 p.m. According to John Van de Kamer, the general manager of Knar Jewellery, the store’s door, which is typically locked, was opened to allow a well-dressed man entry. This man then jammed the door open, allowing two accomplices to rush in. The suspects, wielding hammers, smashed several display cases and made off with valuable merchandise in under two minutes. Fortunately, no one was physically injured during the incident.
The suspects fled the scene in a black Honda CRV, leaving behind a duffle bag and a shoe, which police are now using as evidence. Police have released descriptions of the three suspects to aid in their capture.
Suspect Descriptions
- Suspect 1: Male, light-skinned, with black puffy-like hair, above average height. He was wearing a dark blue blazer, black undershirt, ripped light blue jeans, blue and white Nike shoes, and a blue medical mask.
- Suspect 2: Male, dark-skinned, tall with a thin build. He was dressed in a black hooded sweater, black thin material mask, blue medical gloves, black track pants with a white vertical stripe, and black shoes with white markings.
- Suspect 3: Male, dark-skinned, short with a slim build. He wore a black hooded sweater, black cap, black thin material mask, dark pants, black shoes with white trim, and black gloves.
Impact and Response
The robbery has significantly impacted the Knar Jewellery team. Van de Kamer described it as “a very traumatic event” that violated both personal and business spheres. “We offer counseling for our teams, because it’s a traumatic event.”
The robbery has also impacted the surrounding community. Mario Gonsalves, co-owner of the neighbouring Play with Clay, expressed his concern about the incident’s brazenness, particularly as his store was packed with students on a field trip shortly before the robbery occurred. “It’s just very brazen,” he said. “It’s concerning.”
Community and Police Efforts
Following the robbery, local businesses supported Knar Jewellery. Neighbours acted quickly, with several capturing video footage of the suspects fleeing. This footage has been provided to the police to assist in their investigation.
Guelph Police are actively seeking information from the public to help identify and apprehend the suspects. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Constable Scott Carroll at (519) 824-1212, ext. 7489, or via email at swcarroll@guelphpolice.ca.
Implications for the Jewellery Industry
This robbery underscores the increasing risks faced by jewellery stores, particularly those located in busy urban areas. The incident in Guelph is part of a broader trend of jewellery store robberies in Ontario, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures. Jewellers are advised to review their security protocols, invest in high-quality surveillance equipment, and ensure that all staff are trained to handle potential security threats.
The psychological impact on staff is significant. Providing support and counselling for employees who have experienced such traumatic events is essential for their well-being and for the continued smooth operation of the business.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by jewellers and the need for community vigilance and cooperation in preventing such crimes.
