On April 15, 2023, a Victoria jewelry store experienced a harrowing daylight robbery when a hammer-wielding individual barged into Francis Jewellers, located on Broughton Street.
The robbery, which took place mid-afternoon, saw the suspect forcefully making his way past the staff, gaining access to three display cases, and fleeing with a significant number of stolen items before the arrival of the police. The incident, which left the community in shock was extensively reported by local news outlets.
The suspect’s brazen act was met with resistance from the store’s staff members, who attempted to pin down the thief using a chair, albeit unsuccessfully. The ordeal left the employees fearing for their lives and the establishment with a considerable mess to clean up.
Following the robbery, Francis Jewellers had to remain closed for a day to account for the loss and damages.
Victoria Police were prompt in launching an investigation into the armed robbery, with patrol officers responding to the distress call just before 3:45 pm on the day of the incident. The suspect, caught on surveillance cameras, was seen smashing displays and making away with stolen jewellery, leaving the staff and customers in an understandable state of distress.
The efforts of the Victoria Police bore fruit when they identified and arrested the suspect, who attempted to flee on a bicycle when apprehended. The man now faces multiple charges, including armed robbery and assault with a weapon, shedding light on the serious nature of his actions. Additionally, upon identifying the suspect, officers uncovered that he was also wanted on six other warrants for various offences.
The incident at Francis Jewellers is a stark reminder of the challenges and potential dangers jewellers may encounter, making security measures and community vigilance imperative in ensuring the safety and well-being of both our employees and customers.
