RCMP say around $100,000 worth of jewelry was stolen from Peoples Jewellers at Woodgrove Centre during the early morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 30. (submitted photo) 

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

smash and grab

$100,000+ worth of jewellry stolen in brazen overnight heist at Woodgrove Centre

Oct 3, 2023 | 11:03 AM

NANAIMO — Police are investigating after an estimated $100,000 worth of jewelry was stolen during a smash-and-grab robbery at Nanaimo’s Woodgrove Centre over the weekend.

RCMP say on Saturday, Sept. 30 some time after 3 a.m. three suspects broke into the mall, made their way to Peoples Jewellers, broke through the glass display cases, and made off with a number of valuable items.

Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said the suspects were in and out very quickly.

“Three individuals, all wearing dark clothing, all had hoodies up concealing their faces, broke in through the north entrance near Walmart. They then made their way to Peoples Jewellers, they broke through the security gate, then they smashed open glass cases, took jewelry and were gone. In and out of the mall within about nine minutes.”

RCMP members, including police dog services, were on-scene within minutes but were unable to locate the suspects.

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Mounties believe the assailants left the area in a vehicle.

Numerous display cases were smashed at Peoples Jewellers during an overnight smash and grab at Woodgrove Centre. (submitted photo)

O’Brien said they are reaching out to other jurisdictions on the Island and Lower Mainland to see if similar incidents have occurred elsewhere to help with their investigation.

“We know this is not a random attack, this is well orchestrated by individuals who most likely done this before, so we’re liaising with different police jurisdictions to obtain any information on similar incidents.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency number at 250-754-2345, quoting file number 2023-34262.

Peoples Jewellers at Woodgrove Centre in Nanaimo remained closed on Monday, Oct. 2. (submitted photo)

RCMP said around $100,000 worth of jewellry was stolen from Peoples Jewellers at Woodgrove Centre during the early morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 30. (submitted photo)

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