Eight suspects in custody after ‘smash-and-grab’ robberies captured on video, Halton police say

Police say more than 50 charges have been laid in connection with a series of robberies in Burlington, Guelph, Brantford, Waterloo, and St. Catharines.

Halton Regional Police say eight suspects have been arrested in connection with a series of “smash-and-grab” robberies at jewelry stores across southern Ontario.

Police confirmed to CP24 that eight people are facing a combined 50 charges in connection with the robberies, which occurred in Burlington, Guelph, Brantford, Waterloo, and St. Catharines between January and March 2026.

“This organized group has been targeting communities across the GTA for weeks. Residents, shoppers, and business owners deserve to feel safe in our malls and stores,” Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner said in the news release.

“They act in complete disregard for the rule of law — four of the accused were out on forms of release at the time of their arrest. This investigation goes a long way toward restoring that sense of safety and sends a clear message: the Halton Regional Police Service will be relentless in pursuing those responsible and bringing them to justice.”

Police said the robberies involved four or five suspects who used stolen vehicles with “cloned licence plates.”

Video of the incidents, which were released by police on Friday, show suspects in masks and balaclavas smashing display cases before fleeing with stolen jewelry.

No injuries were reported in any of the incidents, police noted.

In one case, police said, a vehicle was driven into a store, causing “significant structural damage to the building.”

“When we consider the shootings and other tragic events that have occurred in surrounding jurisdictions as a result of violence in large shopping malls, we are extremely fortunate that these robberies did not result in serious injury or loss of life,” Superintendent Dave Costantini said in the media release.

Charges include robbery, disguise with intent, breach of a release order, and possession of property obtained by crime.

“This investigation remains ongoing, and (Halton Regional Police) anticipates further arrests and charges in connection with additional robberies,” the news release read.

“Investigators believe the accused are responsible for additional offences.”