Police charge 5 in relation to Hamilton jewelry store theft, say they stole from stores across Ontario

Hamilton police say they’ve arrested and charged five people in relation to a November break-in at a Hamilton jewelry store. They also say the group may be responsible for similar break-ins in nearby Brantford, Guelph, Niagara, Peel, and in Quebec.

A 25-year-old and 36-year-old from Hamilton, a 30-year-old and 36-year-old with no fixed addresses and a 36-year-old from Brampton, Ont., are all facing charges, Hamilton Police Service said in a news release Dec. 12.

The people charged broke into Ancaster Jewellers on Nov. 17, making off with over $60,000 in merchandise, police said.

At the time, owner Jean-Pierre Verbunt told CBC Hamilton it was "terrible" for that to happen so close to the busy holiday shopping season.

Police say some stores were targeted multiple times

In December 2024, Verbunt was the victim of a violent robbery at his store when za pickup truck reversed through the front window.

CBC Hamilton asked police if they believe the group responsible for the November break and enter is the same as the group responsible for the robbery in 2024, but did not receive a response before publication.

In the news release, police said they believe the group targeted the same businesses multiple times.

They said investigators believe the group suspected in the November robbery would pose as customers to scout a store in advance before breaking in overnight. While one would keep watch, four to five others would pry open doors and steal watches, jewelry and repair tools.

On Dec. 12, police said they searched two Hamilton residents under warrants, as well as multiple vehicles.

“A large quantity of suspected stolen property was recovered, including a stolen BMW,” police said. “Due to the volume of items seized, a full inventory is expected to take several days or weeks to complete.”

The investigation continues and involves other Ontario and Quebec police forces. Detectives ask anyone with information to get in touch.

CBC’s the fifth estate has reported on a spike in jewelry store smash-and-grabs in Ontario. In November, reporters found there had been at least 60 incidents in the province this year and that a growing number of minors was being recruited to carry out the crimes.