Three teens accused of wielding hammers and using pepper spray during a jewelry store robbery days before Christmas have been denied bail. In separate hearings this month the three teens, 14, 15, and 17 years of age, were denied bail despite efforts by loved ones to get them out of custody. Police said it was at about 2: 30 p.m. on Dec. 19 when masked thieves were caught on camera smashing display cases with hammers at Charm Diamond Centres in the Georgian Mall in Barrie. Investigators said pepper spray was used in the robbery that took place steps away from where children were having their pictures taken with Santa. Police said all five teens were arrested within two hours of the robbery. Investigators said a backpack with jewelry was recovered. The teens where charged with robbery with violence, disguise with intent, administering a noxious substance, possession of dangerous weapons, assault with a weapon, mischief over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. A 14-year-old was taken down inside the mall with help from off-duty police officers, while three others aged 14, 15 and 17 from Brampton and Toronto, were arrested in nearby Essa Township. Police said the accused were caught after crashing a stolen car into a ditch. The next day, a 17-year-old charged with fleeing from police was granted bail, while a 14-year-old from Brampton was released three days later. The jewelry store was closed for more than a week during the busiest time of year as crews cleaned up the mess. The robbery was the third such smash-and-grab targeting a Georgian Mall jewelry store in 16 months. Dia Amore Jewellers was targeted in August 2024 and August 2025. The identities of all five of the accused are protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The allegations against them have not been tested in court.
