Hamilton police foil possible smash-and-grab at Eastgate Square

Hamilton police are investigating an attempted smash-and-grab in the city’s east end, which they say is happening more and more frequently in the Golden Horseshoe area.

Police say it happened Wednesday around 4 p.m., when four individuals entered the mall with their faces covered, equipped with a sledgehammer and crowbars.

Const. Trevor McKenna says two officers were conducting proactive jewelry store checks at Eastgate Square.

“Police and security were able to spot the four individuals who then fled on foot and departed in a black sedan vehicle,” McKenna said. “A lot of policing is reactive but it’s equally important to be proactive so when we get time we like to do check ups on churches, mosques and jewelry stores.”

The most recent smash-and-grab in Hamilton took place at a Cash for Gold business on the mountain this past Sunday. In that incident, three suspects armed with a firearm and crowbars forced their way through multiple doors stealing gold, silver and cash.

It’s just one of a series of robberies the GTHA has seen in recent months. This trend has prompted police including Hamilton police to increase vigilance at places that are often targeted.

Last week a storefront of a pawn shop in Burlington was smashed in when a car was used to reverse into its entrance with suspects stealing valuables inside before fleeing.

There was a similar incident here at Eastgate Square last year July when four masked suspects with hammers robbed the People’s Jewellers inside the mall.

In that incident, police were able to arrest five individuals, including the driver of the getaway car and recover all stolen property.

A mall employee said this is “just the new norm” and that she’s not surprised to hear about the foiled robbery attempt.

Hamilton police says they are staying vigilant at hot spots for crime.

Police say they are working towards a detailed description of the suspects in yesterday’s attempted smash-and-grab and are asking business owners and the public to stay vigilant of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity.

Police say they’re hoping to update the public later this afternoon as they work to put together a detailed description of the suspects at yesterday’s foiled smash-and-grab attempt.

This is a developing story. More to come. 

READ MORE: Police investigating armed robbery at Hamilton Mountain business