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Robberies shake Burlington, Ontario
Burlington, Ontario, is reeling from a series of bold robberies that have targeted local jewelry stores, leaving business owners and residents stunned. On January 25, a dramatic heist occurred at Michael Hill Jewelers in Mapleview Mall. Just days later, another robbery struck at Buy N Sell City, a pawn shop located less than a kilometer away.
Kwame Akuffo, the owner of Buy N Sell City, shared his harrowing experience. Four masked individuals burst into his store shortly before 5 p.m. on a Thursday. The chaos began while Akuffo was helping a customer. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the store, which he initially mistook for a vehicle accident. Unbeknownst to him, this marked the onset of a violent robbery.
Details of the heist at Buy N Sell City
Kwame Akuffo described the harrowing experience of the robbery, stating, “I was shocked. It’s your life; you don’t realize your life can change, just like that.” The robbers arrived in a stolen grey Honda CRV, using it to smash through the front entrance of the pawn shop. Armed with hammers and crowbars, they quickly dismantled display cases and seized valuables with reckless abandon.
As chaos erupted, Akuffo spotted masked teenagers—some wielding knives—darting towards him. “You’re a small business. You’re trying to make ends meet and just like that, someone takes it away from you,” he lamented. Fortunately, no one suffered physical injuries during this alarming incident, but the emotional toll on the owner remains significant.
Valuable items stolen and impact on the community
The estimated worth of the stolen items from Buy N Sell City exceeds $100,000. This loss is particularly significant given the recent surge in gold and silver prices. Akuffo emphasized, “One gram of gold is $222,” underscoring the rising value of precious metals in today’s market.
In the aftermath of the robbery, Halton police have initiated an investigation. They discovered that the Honda CRV used in the crime was reported stolen from Toronto. This incident has alarmed local businesses, leading Akuffo to advise his staff to prioritize safety and avoid confrontation in case of future robberies.
Previous robbery at Michael Hill Jewelers
Just days before the incident at Buy N Sell City, a similar smash-and-grab robbery took place at Michael Hill Jewelers. At approximately 3 p.m. on January 25, a group of four masked men entered the jewelry store and shattered display cases with hammers. Initially, witnesses mistook the noise for gunfire; however, police later confirmed that it was the sound of hammers striking glass.
The suspects fled the scene in a newer model dark-grey Honda Civic, which was driven by a fifth accomplice. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among employees or customers during this incident. However, the psychological impact of such violent crimes on the community is significant and cannot be overlooked.
Community response and ongoing investigations
Halton police are currently investigating two recent robberies but have not confirmed any direct link between the incidents. Community members are encouraged to share any information that may assist in these investigations, including dashcam footage or security videos.
Akuffo, who has been running his pawn shop for 26 years, recounted a previous theft in May 2015, when robbers broke in by cutting through the roof to access his safe. This incident underscores the persistent threat that small businesses face from crime.
In light of these events, business owners in Burlington are now more vigilant and aware of their surroundings. With the possibility of further attacks looming, the safety of the community and the future of these establishments increasingly rely on collaboration with law enforcement and mutual support.