LATEST STORIES:
Pick-up truck smashes into Grimsby jewelry store, robbery suspects wanted
Niagara police are investigating another robbery at Harmony Jewellers in Grimsby that saw a pick-up truck smash through the storefront Thursday. Five suspects are now wanted.
Shortly before 11:30 a.m. a black Dodge truck with five people inside intentionally reversed into the store located at 37 Main St West.
Four of the suspects, all dressed in black and wearing masks, then ran inside and one of them, also in similar attire, fled to a nearby car.
Police say the suspects had hammers and axes which they used to break the glass cases and grab jewelry and watches. The value of the stolen items is being investigated.
The incident was caught on video by passersby and nearby store CCTV footage.
Harmony Jewellers was open at the time and occupied by several employees. No one was injured.
“It’s totally unbelievable,” said Kevin Luttjehuizen, co-owner of the business. “Our biggest concern was with our staff, it was very traumatizing – we’re going to support them.”
“We’re going to come back stronger and do everything we can to make the staff feel safe,” said Kaitlin Luttjehuizen, the other co-owner of the business and Kevin’s wife.
After the robbery the four suspects ran across the street and into a white Honda CRV where the fifth person was waiting.
Before they could drive away, a man attempted to stop the robbers by smashing the windshield and the window on the driver’s side of the getaway car with what appeared to be a crowbar.
Police also say that a firearm was pointed at an individual who attempted to stop the robbers. It is described as a black handgun with a narrow silver barrel.
The suspects sped away with multiple people witnessing the shocking robbery.
All five suspects are described as adult men in their twenties with medium builds and of average height. The ethnicity of one of the suspects is believed to be white.
Police say that both vehicles used in the robbery were stolen.
The CRV that was used to flee the scene was found abandoned in Hamilton on Baseline Road near North Service Road. A witness reported that the suspects exited the CRV and entered a pick-up truck.
Main Street West was closed between Christie and Ontario streets for the police investigation but has since reopened. The storefront is now boarded up.
Robberies at Harmony Jewellers also happened on Jan. 18 and Feb. 15 of this year.
“It just seemed like they knew what they were doing this time, they scoped it out, but I don’t know,” said Kaitlin.
“I believe it’s organized crime that is putting this together and using young offenders to execute these crimes,” said Luttjehuizen.
Niagara police says they have “significantly increased police presence in Grimsby following the armed robbery at Harmony House Jewellers.”
“We are working closely with the Town of Grimsby and community partners to support residents and businesses during this time,” a police statement read.
Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan said that he is “close communication” with Niagara police and emergency response teams, and urged for increased law enforcement at a regional level.
“I am actively advocating at the regional level for increased law enforcement support, including additional personnel and coordinated task forces. Our Town cannot face this challenge alone and I am working to ensure we have the resources and reinforcements we need to keep our residents safe,” Jordan said in a public statement.
He also encouraged the public to “stay alert, report suspicious activity and support one another.”
Detectives say they are aware of the videos and images that are circulating online. Others who may have witnessed the incident or with videos/pictures are encouraged to contact the lead detective at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension #1009383 or by email at 9383@niagarapolice.ca.
Anyone who has information but wishes to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara.
READ MORE: Niagara police locate vehicle used in Grimsby jewelry store robbery
