Waterloo Regional Police have arrested two men in connection with a break-in at Hartman Jewellers, a jewellery store in Elmira, Ontario, which occurred in June.
The suspects, aged 52 and 46, were apprehended earlier this week and have been charged with break and enter to commit theft.
Incident Details: The Break-In and Theft
The break-in took place on the morning of 18th June, between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., at a store located near Arthur Street South and Church Street East. According to the police, the suspects initially visited the store around 3:30 a.m., and returned approximately 30 minutes later, having changed their clothing. The suspects forcibly entered the premises by smashing a glass door and proceeded to break several display cases, stealing an undisclosed amount of jewellery.
Owner’s Response and Investigation
Stephen Meyer, the owner of Hartman Jewellers, was alerted to the incident at approximately 4:30 a.m. by local authorities, who reported finding shattered glass in front of the store. Upon reviewing the store’s surveillance footage, Meyer observed two individuals involved in the theft, which he subsequently shared with the police to aid their investigation.
Arrest and Charges
After a two-month investigation, police arrested the two men from Waterloo on Monday. Both suspects have been charged with break and enter to commit theft, marking a significant step in the resolution of this case. The specifics regarding the stolen merchandise have not been disclosed, and the police continue their investigation into the incident.
Implications for the Jewellery Industry
This incident underscores the ongoing risks that jewellers face regarding theft and break-ins, highlighting the importance of robust security measures, including surveillance systems and rapid response protocols. Jewellers should remain vigilant and consider updating their security systems and procedures to protect their assets effectively. The arrests in this case demonstrate the value of cooperation between jewellers and local law enforcement in the aftermath of such incidents.