Armed robbery at jewellery store under investigation: OPP

An OPP cruiser in Collingwood, Ont. (CTV News/Steve Mansbridge -- FILE IMAGE)

Provincial police are investigating an alleged armed robbery at a jewellery store in Collingwood Friday evening.

According to Collingwood OPP, officers responded to reports of the robbery while it was in progress at around 5 p.m. on Hurontario Street.

Police say several masked suspects broke into the store while armed with tools and forcibly removed merchandise before fleeing by car.

The responding officers secured the scene and began an immediate investigation through witness accounts and nearby video surveillance. Members of OPP Central Region’s Forensic Identification Services were involved in collecting and examining evidence.

Initial findings of the investigation claim that the incident involved a degree of coordination and planning.

Collingwood OPP’s Crime Unit is leading the investigation. Police say they are exploring all avenues, including potential links to networked or regional crime activity.

Anyone with additional information or footage that may assist the ongoing investigation is asked to contact Collingwood OPP.