Two Men Charged in Smash and Grab Robbery at Stratford Jewelry Store

Stratford, UK – Two individuals have been apprehended and charged following a daring smash and grab robbery at a prestigious jewelry store located in the heart of Stratford. The incident occurred on January 3, at approximately 6:30 p.m., when four masked assailants stormed the Paris Jewellers store, situated within the bustling Stratford Mall.

Law enforcement officials have reported that the audacious thieves managed to execute their meticulously planned operation within a mere minute, leaving the store’s premises with a significant haul of stolen jewelry. Shocking video footage obtained by CTV News showcases the perpetrators brazenly smashing glass display cases and swiftly grabbing handfuls of precious gems and luxury timepieces.

The estimated value of the stolen items has been assessed at over $100,000, highlighting the audacity and precision of the criminals involved. In a bid to evade capture, all four suspects swiftly fled the scene in a sleek black four-door sedan, believed to be a Chrysler 300, heading eastward on Ontario Street.

Stratford police outside the Stratford Mall on Jan. 3, 2024. (Courtesy: Brett Gillespie)

Arrests Made in Niagara Falls

Following an intensive investigation, the Stratford Police Department announced on Tuesday that two 21-year-old men were detained in Niagara Falls on January 4 and were subsequently identified as prime suspects connected to the Paris Jewellers robbery.

According to the Niagara Regional Police Service, officers conducting routine patrols observed two individuals behaving suspiciously as they entered a vehicle displaying stolen license plates. Swift action was taken, resulting in the arrest of the suspects. During the apprehension, law enforcement discovered a loaded 9mm Luger handgun, alongside the stolen jewelry.

Josh Delaney and Donavin Stewart have been officially charged with a range of offenses, including possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of a prohibited firearm without a license, possession of a restricted firearm without a license, careless storage of a firearm, and unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle.

Stratford Police confirmed in a press release that the recovered jewelry, valued at over $135,000, was indeed traced back to the Paris Jewellers robbery, and it has since been returned to the rightful owners. However, an undisclosed quantity of jewelry remains unaccounted for at this time.

Remaining Suspects at Large

The investigation is ongoing, as law enforcement authorities continue their relentless pursuit of the remaining two individuals implicated in the brazen Stratford Mall robbery. At present, their identities remain unknown.

Previously, the police had described all four suspects as male, of average stature, with slim builds. During the robbery, the perpetrators concealed their identities behind black masks, hoods, gloves, and dark clothing.

Stratford Police and Crime Stoppers are urging anyone with relevant information pertaining to the incident or the whereabouts of the outstanding suspects to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.