White Rock Jewellers, located in the Semiahmoo Shopping Centre in Surrey, B.C., was the scene of a robbery early Monday morning.
This event marks the third such incident for the business, with owner Andy Nguyen estimating the cost of lost merchandise to exceed $100,000, with additional damage to the store’s property.
Incident Overview
Four individuals, dressed in dark hoodies and with their faces covered, broke into the store and broke glass display cases to steal a variety of items, including silver chains, gold, rings, bracelets, and pendants. The robbery, which lasted around two minutes, was recorded on the store’s security system and has been shared on social media.
Law Enforcement Response
The Surrey Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to the break-in, conducting searches with the aid of the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services. The suspects had left the scene in a dark-coloured SUV by the time officers arrived. The RCMP has made a public appeal for information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the individuals involved.
Industry Implications
The incident has brought to light several issues facing the jewellery industry, including security and insurance challenges.
The fact that White Rock Jewellers was uninsured, due to not meeting insurance requirements, highlights the difficulties some businesses face in obtaining adequate coverage.
This situation should prompt a discussion within the industry about the need for more accessible insurance options and the importance of comprehensive security measures.
