Jewelry Store Owner Fights Off Smash-And-Grab Thieves With Broomstick

A Toronto-area jewelry store owner bravely fought off three masked thieves attempting a smash-and-grab robbery at his store. Jerry Sorani, owner of Jewellery Forever in Markham, didn’t hesitate to defend his business when the criminals stormed in on October 3.

Captured on surveillance video, the dramatic incident shows the suspects entering the store wearing hoodies and masks. One of them began smashing a glass display case with a hammer. Without hesitation, Sorani emerged from behind the counter wielding a broomstick and struck one of the suspects multiple times. Startled by the unexpected resistance, the trio quickly fled the store.

“I just got up and said, ‘No, it’s not going to happen here,'” Sorani told CBC News. He later admitted that he didn’t think twice before taking action to protect his store.

Despite police warnings advising business owners not to confront criminals, Sorani said he would likely act the same way again. “I didn’t want them to think they could just take what they wanted,” he explained.

York Regional Police continue investigating the attempted robbery but have yet to make any arrests. Authorities have urged business owners to prioritize personal safety and avoid engaging with violent criminals. “You never know what someone is capable of,” Const. James Dickson warned.

The attempted robbery highlights a concerning rise in smash-and-grab thefts targeting jewelry stores in the Greater Toronto Area. Police reported that jewelry store robberies in York Region doubled from seven in 2023 to 14 in 2024.

Following the incident, Sorani has taken extra precautions by keeping his store locked at all times, even during business hours. “In 25 years, I’ve never had to close my door,” Sorani said. “It’s sad that it’s come to this.”

Though Sorani’s actions were risky, his determination to defend his livelihood has sparked widespread support online, with many praising his bravery in the face of rising crime.

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