String of jewelry store smash-and-grabs in Mississauga and Brampton lead to charges for 16-year-old

Three separate smash-and-grabs at jewelry stores in Mississauga and Brampton have led police to charge a young man and a 16-year-old with multiple counts of robbery.

Peel Regional Police say the violent robberies all happened within a few days of each other, starting on Friday when investigators say four suspects with their faces covered rushed a jewelry store near Dixie Road and South Service Road in Mississauga.

The suspects used hammers to smash display cases in the store and stole an undisclosed amount of jewelry before fleeing the scene in what turned out to be a stolen vehicle.

No one was injured in the robbery, but police say there was a second smash-and-grab on Tuesday shortly before 7 p.m. at another Mississauga jewelry store, this time in the area of Goreway Drive and Morning Star Drive.

And again on Wednesday, Peel police say a third jewelry store near Kennedy Road and Clarence Street in Brampton was robbed by four masked suspects carrying hammers.

But the third time wasn’t the charm as police say officers located the stolen vehicle and the suspects a short distance from the store.

The suspects tried to make a run from police on foot but two of the four were caught by officers. Police say an 18-year-old male from Mississauga was arrested along with a 16-year-old.

Elijah Roberts, 18, of Mississauga and a 16-year-old young person have been charged with three counts each of robbery and disguise with intent, and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime.

Police have not released any additional details about the 16-year-old including their name due to general provision of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The accused were both held for bail hearings and appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.

Insp. Sean Brennan with PRP Financial Crimes Services these types of violent smash-and-grab robberies “will not be tolerated in Peel Region, and all resources will be employed to identify, arrest and put those responsible before the courts.”

The charges come following recent similar robberies, including a smash-and-grab caught on camera in Brampton.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Peel Regional Police by calling 905-453-2121 ext. 3410. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.