Crowbars and getaway cars: Ottawa police investigating series of brazen smash-and-grabs

For the third time in a year and a half, thieves smashed the glass displays at Doucet Latendresse Jewelry and cleared valuables off the shelves.

The latest incident happened shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday, said store supervisor Hamza Nfifi.

Three masked individuals wielding hammers robbed the store while two employees took refuge in the back, he said.

“Our employees are safe, and that’s what matters to us the most,” he said.

What’s becoming routine for workers at the Place D’Orleans jeweller is part of a series of similar crimes in Ottawa.

Since January, 10 smash-and-grab robberies have targeted businesses in the city, according to police.

The thefts have Canadian retailers raising the alarm, and the national retail advocacy group says the rising price of gold may be making the brazen daytime thefts more appealing.