Authorities in Prince Edward Island are actively pursuing a suspect believed to be responsible for the theft of high-value jewellery, totalling $43,000, from Charm Diamond Centres in two separate incidents.
The thefts occurred in the cities of Charlottetown and Summerside, prompting a coordinated manhunt by local police forces.
Details of the Thefts
The first theft took place at the Royalty Crossing mall in Charlottetown. A man, under the pretext of viewing two rings valued at $18,000, allegedly made off with the jewellery while store staff were distracted. Surveillance footage captured the suspect fleeing in a black BMW 300-series, which was later discovered to have been using a stolen P.E.I. licence plate.
A similar incident occurred just over a week later at another Charm Diamond Centre, this time located in Summerside’s Country Fair Mall. The suspect followed the same method, stealing two rings with a combined worth of $25,000 after asking to inspect the items. Local police reports describe the man as “around five feet 10 inches with a medium build and salt-and-pepper hair.” In both cases, the individual fled the scene in the same black BMW.
Police Investigation and Suspect Description
Summerside authorities have revealed that the BMW used in the theft was reported stolen earlier that day from a hotel parking lot in the Summerside area. The vehicle was seen again shortly after the second incident, at a nearby gas station on Granville Street, where it was refuelled before the suspects departed without paying.
Police are also looking for a second individual believed to be involved. A woman with blonde hair was observed driving the stolen BMW during both events. The connection between the suspects and their movements across multiple locations is under further investigation, with police reviewing additional surveillance footage from the gas station and other nearby businesses.
Ongoing Manhunt
As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and the police are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspects. The coordinated efforts of Charlottetown and Summerside police forces aim to bring a resolution to this series of thefts and prevent further incidents. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement immediately.
Broader Implications for Jewellers
These incidents raise important considerations for jewellery retailers concerning security protocols. In a statement to CTV News, Detective Sergeant Darren MacDougall of the Charlottetown Police stressed the need for heightened vigilance when handling high-value items:
“These items are… worth a lot of money, and giving somebody the ability to simply manoeuvre like the offender in this circumstance did — yeah, you would certainly want to look at your practices as far as what you’re handing over and how… you engage the client in that type of scenario,” MacDougall said. MacDougall also noted the importance of having adequate safeguards in place, considering the value of the items being handled.
This case is not isolated. According to MacDougall, a similar theft had occurred at a Charm Diamond Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, suggesting the possibility of a larger operation or repeat offenders targeting jewellery stores across different regions.
Industry-Wide Concerns
For jewellers, these thefts underline the need to review security measures in-store. This may involve refining surveillance, improving viewing protocols, and providing staff with theft-prevention training. Additionally, collaboration with local law enforcement, especially in identifying and sharing suspect information, can help mitigate the risks posed by repeat offenders.
The jewellery industry must remain vigilant as organised groups may be targeting stores in a coordinated manner, making it essential for jewellers to reassess their security measures.
