Six teenagers have been charged in connection with an attempted robbery at a Toronto-area jewelry store, police say.
The incident occurred on March 14 while York Regional Police officers were investigating the theft of an Acura TLX sedan in Vaughan, Ont., according to a March 19 press release. Police say six people were linked to the stolen vehicle.
The officers tracked the vehicle as it was driven to a location near the jewelry store in North York. Five individuals emerged from the car equipped with sledgehammers and bags, police said.
“The suspects approached a jewelry store and attempted to force entry, however they failed to gain access,” police said. “With the assistance of the Emergency Response, Canine and Air Support units, the suspect vehicle was contained and after a brief foot pursuit, six youths were taken into custody.”
Police have released helicopter video footage of the attempted break-in and the subsequent arrest. The video captures several people getting out of a vehicle in a parking area.
“They are masked up, boys, they are ready to do something,” an officer said in the video taken from the air. “They’re looking around, they’re looking at the window.”
The officer speaking in the footage can then be heard saying the suspects are breaking a window with a hammer. The footage shows two suspects who appear to be swinging something toward the window as the others watch, although their exact actions are not clearly depicted.
A number of unmarked police vehicles then arrive on the scene, one crashing into the suspected stolen vehicle as the others surround the parking area of the plaza. The suspects scatter and can be seen attempting to flee the scene before six of them were apprehended. One suspect remains at large.
The accused include two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old from Toronto, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old from Brampton, and a 17-year-old from Vaughan. Police did not release the names or gender of the accused in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Three of the youths taken into custody were on release orders for unrelated offences, police said.
All six of the teens taken into custody face one count each of robbery with a weapon, disguise with intent, and possession of property obtained by a crime over $5,000 in connection with the incident. The 16-year-old from Brampton was also charged with two counts of disobeying a court order.
Investigators said the investigation into the attempted robbery is ongoing.
Police are also encouraging business owners to install and monitor security systems that include alarms and cameras.
During nighttime hours, when staffing is limited, or in establishments that contain valuable items, police are suggesting store owners secure the doors and implement a buzz-in system equipped with video recording and two-way voice communication to interact with customers.
