Issue date: 1/15/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Joshua Freedman Cartier robbers ditch firearm on Charles Street

While students rushed to their first round of classes last Wednesday afternoon, a trio of armed robbers made a daring move just off Victoria campus.

The Cartier jewellery store, located on St. Thomas street just off Bloor, called in an armed robbery at approximately 3 p.m. on January 7. Police reports state that three men wearing masks entered the upscale jewellery store and ordered employees and customers to get on the ground. Brandishing a rifle, handgun and hammer, the men proceeded to shatter glass display cases and absconded with an unknown amount of jewellery in their duffle bags.

Luckily, no injuries were reported from the dramatic heist. The thieves were last seen running south down St. Thomas. Police cars and caution tape cornered off an area of Charles street near Museum subway where police found disguises and a rifle that are believed to have been used in the robbery.

Second year Vic student Cameron Morris said of the incident: "It's crazy that something like this happened so close to campus."

A description of the men was released by authorities to aid in locating the criminals. The man armed with a rifle is described as Caucasian, wearing a black jacket, black mask, blue jeans, black gloves and white shoes. The second man, armed with a hammer and carrying a green/brown bag is described as wearing blue jeans, brown belt, white shoes grey long-sleeved sweater and dark winter hat with white stripes. The third suspect, armed with a black handgun, was last seen wearing blue jeans, a dark coat with a dark cloth covering his face, dark gloves with white trim and black shoes.

Campus police, who were on the scene where the rifle was found, declined to comment as the police investigation is still active, but encouraged anyone with information about to contact the authorities. As the jewel thieves are still on the lam, police are asking anyone with information to call 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) online at www.222tips.com or by texting TOR and a message to CRIMES (274637)

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