Police searching for suspects after smash-and-grab jewelry theft in Burlington

Halton police say a group of four to five suspects armed with hammers drove a vehicle into a Burlington business before stealing jewelry.

At approximately 4:50 p.m., officers say a grey Honda CR-V reversed into the front door of Buy N Cell City Inc. in the plaza at the corner of Fairview Street and Maple Avenue.

They believe four men entered the store with face coverings and armed with hammers and crowbars.

“There were four suspects in that vehicle, who then entered the shop — they were armed with crowbars, hammers, and started smashing some of the display cases that contained jewellery items,” said Halton Regional Police Const. Jeff Dillon.

Investigators describe the suspects seen inside the business as Black men.

“We just saw this SUV come flying into the store,” said Kwame Akuffo, the co-owner Buy N Cell City Inc. “First I thought, someone was injured, then I saw the masked men.”

Officers say multiple pieces of jewelry were stolen before the group fled east on Fairview Street in a dark-coloured sedan driven by a fifth suspect, leaving the Honda CR-V behind.

“They knew what they came for: they took a lot of jewellery, high-end watches,” said Akuffo.

The business was inspected for structural integrity and found safe.

Dillon says it is too early in the investigation if this incident, and the one involving suspects that committed a smash-and-grab at a Mapleview jewellery store earlier this week.

Anyone with information or video around the time of the crash is asked to contact police at 905-825-4777 ext. 2316.

Anonymous tips can also be given to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

READ MORE: Halton police seek five suspects after robbery at Mapleview jewelry store