ARMED ROBBERY, SCARBOROUGH ON

LPB 41/2022

We have received a report of a violent robbery by three persons at a 22k gold retail jewellery store located in the area of Eglinton Avenue E. and Markham Road, Scarborough ON. The date of the robbery is unknown but is believed to have taken place within the last one or two days. Staff reportedly fought back, resulting in injury to at least one robber. Toronto Police Service attended and are believed to have arrested one person. This store may have been previously robbed in February 2022, possibly by the same gang. We have no further details of this event.

COMMENT: The spate of robberies involving initially 22k gold dealers, and subsequently other retail jewellers, across the greater Toronto area that started in February 2022 does not yet appear to have come to an end. We assess that retail jewellers in the greater Toronto area remain at heightened risk of robbery. Review the tips below and take all appropriate action now, before you are robbed! Taking action only after you have been robbed is too late!

TIPS:?

???Any jeweller can be targeted for robbery, no matter whether the business is in an enclosed mall, the high street or anywhere else! Always treat the possibility of robbery as a serious threat! Do not imagine that your business is too small to be robbed, your store is too remote from the city, or that you are too well protected!

???Wherever possible we recommend all retail jewellers install and use controlled entry systems. This is especially important when there may be only one person in the store. If you use controlled entry, give your staff clear authority to deny entrance to customers if the employee feels it is unsafe to do so.

???Jewellers should review and if necessary upgrade their security measures to reduce the likelihood of robbery. Such measures might include reducing the amount of stock on display, hiring on-site security, installing and using a controlled entry system, or admitting clients by prior appointment only.

???Try to have at least two persons in your store at all times. Never leave the sales floor unattended when the store is open to the public!?

???We recommend jewellers install showcases made of laminated glass, or that are protected on all surfaces with a professionally-installed shatter-resistant film. Showcases made of such material will resist attack longer than ordinary glass and may help to reduce the amount of the loss. Frames should similarly be made of materials resistant to physical attack.

???There is no reason to place all your stock into your showcases, especially if you carry multiple examples of similar or identical pieces (i.e. gold chain, watches etc.). Consider displaying only a third or a half of your stock at a time, and keep the rest locked in your safe.?

???Opening and closing times are common times for jewellers to be robbed. Do not admit anyone other than employees while setting up for the day, or once you have closed for business.

???Install and use a good quality video recording system. Make sure there are enough cameras to capture video of every part of the store, and that recordings are saved and retrievable for at least thirty days. A good camera system may provide valuable evidence to investigators. Do not depend on others to operate the system for you: learn how to use it yourself.

???If you are robbed, you have lost control of the situation and cannot prevent the robbery without risking the lives of yourself and your staff. Obey all instructions and do not resist. Do NOT press the panic button until it is safe to do so. Your aim must be to get the robbers out of the store as quickly as possible and minimise the risk of harm to yourself and your staff. Your life is more important than your jewellery!