Police believe jewelry store robberies in Waterloo Region are connected

Police say two jewelry store robberies connected A smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in Conestoga Mall may be linked to a similar one in Cambridge. Jeff Pickel has more.

One person has been arrested as police continue to investigate at least two jewelry store robberies in Waterloo Region that may be connected.

The latest incident happened around 4:20 p.m. Wednesday at Conestoga Mall in Waterloo.

“What we can say is that multiple suspects entered the jewelry store,” said Const. Chris Iden. “It’s believed that a weapon… a hammer and, we believe, bear spray were used in the process.”

There were no injuries reported.

In an email to CTV News on Thursday, police confirmed one person had been arrested.

“The male was arrested and charged. It is believed that the suspects are connected to a Cambridge robbery which took place on Dec. 16, 2024.”

Video, shared with CTV News, appeared to show several people taking merchandise from Raffi Jewellers.

“We’re unaware at this time of what merchandise may have been taken, but the suspects did flee before police arrival,” Iden said.

Patrick Schlitt was in the mall at the time of the robbery.

“You could hear screaming, then you could hear banging,” he told CTV News. “Of course, you’re in a rush. But it’s a little unnerving at the time.”

Schlitt said, initially, he wasn’t sure what was happening but then heard an announcement asking shoppers to leave the mall immediately.

“You don’t know whether to run or you just proceed. Everybody was orderly, but they were moving, so yeah, we were getting out of there.”

The doors were locked and signs were put up at the entrances saying the mall was closed until further notice, though the Zehrs remained open.

Police confirmed there have been nine jewelry store robberies in Waterloo Region so far this year.