Ottawa police recently charged two individuals connected to multiple thefts at jewelry stores over the past year. These arrests, made on April 12, concluded a detailed four-month investigation, highlighting the police’s proactive stance against retail crime.
Incident Details
A series of seven incidents, beginning in late December 2023 and continuing into April 2024, involved various methods of theft, including both unarmed and armed robberies. Notably, a ‘smash and grab’ incident at Doucet Jewelry Store on April 8, which was recorded, significantly raised local and industry-wide concerns due to its brazen nature.
Detailed Timeline of Thefts
- December 29, 2023: A theft occurred on the 100 block of Place D’Orleans Drive.
- January 2, 2024: Another theft took place on the 8000 block of Campeau Drive.
- January 5, 2024: An armed robbery was reported at the same location on Campeau Drive.
- February 22, 2024: An armed robbery took place back on the 100 block of Place D’Orleans Drive.
- February 24, 2024: Another armed robbery occurred once again on the 8000 block of Campeau Drive.
- April 6, 2024: The series continued with an armed robbery on the 2100 block of Carling Avenue.
- April 8, 2024: A notable ‘smash and grab’ robbery at Doucet Jewelry Store was captured on video.
Arrests and Charges
Two individuals, a 23-year-old man and a 16-year-old, both from Ottawa, were apprehended. The charges laid against the 23-year-old include two counts of theft over $5,000, five counts of having a face masked/disguised, two counts of attempted robbery, four counts of possessing weapons dangerous to the public, four counts of mischief over $5,000, four counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and three counts of robbery. The 16-year-old faces charges related to the two most recent incidents.
