There has been an increase in jewellery store robberies across Canada. Stores located in malls are being increasingly targeted. Groups enter fast, smash glass display counters, snatch as much as they can, and are gone within seconds. Public videos of these robberies quickly spread online, followed by quick, and sometimes harsh, public reaction. People ask, “Why didn’t security intervene and stop the crime?”
This is the reality for security guards working in retail settings. You must manage legal limitations, public safety risks, and public pressure…all at the same time. This post takes a look at what these robberies look like, where your legal authorities lie, and what a smart, professional response looks like.
A Typical Jewellery Store Robbery
The majority of the robberies follow a similar pattern. Groups of three to ten suspects enter together, wearing masks. They bring hammers to break the glass. Some also carry bear spray or pepper spray. Some even bring knives and guns. They go straight to the display cases, break the glass, stuff as much high value jewellery into bags or pockets as possible, then run outside to a waiting vehicle. The entire robbery is often over in less than one minute.
These robberies are not random. They are well organized, and planned in advance. Some suspects are assigned to scout the mall. Others handle the smash and grab. Someone is waiting outside in the getaway car. These robberies often occur when the mall is busy, because crowds mean panic and confusion. This slows down the law enforcement response.
These robberies pose risks to police and security across the country. Police officers and security guards have been sprayed with chemical irritants. Guards have been injured trying to catch and arrest suspects. Bystanders have been affected by pepper spray released in and around crowds. These previous attempts have taught us that they come prepared to respond with violence.
Police have linked many of these robberies to organized criminal groups. Some recruit youths, knowing that they will face lighter sentences if caught. There is real planning put into these robberies, including how to evade capture and arrest, often through violence.
Security’s Role and the Law
Much of the public believe that security guards in Canada have legal authorities similar to that of the police. That is simply not true, and it creates unrealistic expectations. Security guards get their authority from the Criminal Code of Canada, provincial legislation, and their employer’s authorities over their property. While there are a number of legal authorities available to security guards, they are no more than what the general public also has.
Citizen’s Arrest (cc. 494)
Under Section 494 of the Criminal Code, a private citizen, including security guards, may arrest someone they “find committing” a criminal offence. This means they must see the person commit the crime. They can also make an arrest if they believe someone has committed an offence and is being actively pursued by someone with the authority to arrest them.
While the authority to arrest exists, it carries serious risk. There is the risk of harm, as well as legal risks if the arrest turns out to be unlawful. The consequences could be criminal charges for things like assault and unlawful confinement.
Use of Force
Section 25 of the Criminal Code authorizes citizens to use reasonable force to enforce the law. This includes making arrests. Section 34 allows for self-defence, while Section 35 covers the defence of property. In all cases, courts will consider the totality of the circumstances to determine the legality of the application of force, and whether the amount used was reasonable in the circumstances. This can be a tricky thing to judge in the chaotic, stressful moment the decision is being made. The consequences of using excessive force can include criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and discipline under provincial security legislation.
Typical Security Equipment
Handcuffs are permitted by law, and frequently carried by security guards in Canada. Batons are also sometimes carried, but with much less frequency. Batons require liability insurance and advanced training, which not all security organizations are prepared to invest in. Batons are intended only for defensive use, and there is a liability risk that they may be used for intimidation purposes instead. Firearms involve strict federal licensing and rarely apply to mall and retail security guards. While the equipment available to you influences your options, you are always accountable for the decisions you make and actions you take.
Provincial Security Regulations
Provincial legislation regulates the private security industry. This typically includes defining the role in clear terms: Protect people and property, observe and document, support the police. Security guards are not expected to intervene in high-risk situations.
Safety Considerations
Thieves plan for resistance
Any attempt to rob a jewellery store in broad daylight involves the risk of being caught. So they bring tools and weapons such as bear spray with them. One spray covers a wide area, affecting guards, police, staff and the public. People’s vision blurs, breathing becomes difficult, and panic ensues. Any attempt to chase the thieves increases the risk of weapons being deployed.
Crowded public spaces
Malls are busy places, filled with children, seniors and families. Bystanders increase the risk of collateral damage. During the robbery glass is flying and littering the ground. During the escape you have thieves running through crowds carrying hammers, pepper spray, or even firearms. Out in the parking lot, bystanders are at risk of being hit by the getaway car as it speeds away.
Numbers and weapons
These robberies often involve large groups of people. They often outnumber the security guards on scene. They are also carrying weapons that give them an advantage, should they be confronted by security. Any attempt to intervene must be considered against the risks it would create. The safety of the guards, staff and public are of paramount importance.
Property vs. people
While jewellery carries a high value, it’s not nearly as high as human life. Insurance covers property loss. No amount of insurance can repair permanent injury, or replace a life lost. Security guards must prioritize people over property at all costs.
Public expectations vs. your reality
Videos of smash and grab robberies spark anger. People see these videos on social media and in the news, and flood the comment sections with emotional and ill informed opinions. Many rage that, “Security just stood there and let it happen!” Others ask, “Why isn’t security stopping them?” Sometimes it’s bystanders on the scene that shout at security to “Do something!”, while the robbery is happening. Security professionals face enormous pressure to meet the expectations of the public. But the public does not understand your legal limits, training standards, policies and procedures, or risk the factors of an intervention gone wrong.
If you do nothing, the public complains. If you rush in and someone gets hurt, the public will complain. That’s the public for you. Security must act with more than the public’s opinion in mind. The police and courts also have their expectations of security guards in situations like this. It seldom matches that of the public. Your actions will be scrutinized, and your employment, licence and even your freedom are on the line.
Professional security guards understand their role and priorities. You maintain calm in chaos, manage risk, reduce harm, and protect people over property. You gather information, protect evidence and assist the police in their investigation. You don’t rush into a situation you are not trained for or equipped to manage.
Practical tips for security guards
Know your environment
Learn the layout of your site. Know the entrances, exits, and vehicle access points. Identify where crowds gather. Know the location of safe spaces for staff to retreat to. Awareness and planning before an incident improves decisions during one.
Know your policies
You need to know and follow the written direction of your employer. These orders often include direction on when to disengage, address pursuits, using force, and how to respond to weapons. If policies are unclear, ask questions before an incident occurs.
Situational Awareness
Keep your eyes open for groups entering together, particularly if they’re wearing hoods or face coverings. Watch for people scanning the environment, particularly if they’re looking at cameras and surveillance systems. Look for people loitering near exits, or running vehicles parked near entrances. Good observation means early communication. This gives the police and staff more time to react.
During the robbery
People are your first priority. Direct the public away from the area, and staff toward a safe location. Maintain a clear path between the store and exit to reduce the likelihood of the thieves harming someone when they flee. Call the police and provide short, clear information. Provide them with your observations: number of suspects, descriptions, weapons seen, direction of travel, vehicle make licence plate, etc.
After the robbery
Once the thieves leave, your work continues. There will be lots of frightened people looking to security for leadership and reassurance. Lock the area down to preserve evidence. Secure video footage. Gather witness names and statements. The police will be looking to security to assist them in their investigation of the incident.
Conclusion
Smash and grab style jewellery store robberies are becoming an increasingly common form of organized retail crime. Security guards have an important, albeit difficult role to play. The public expects bold action. The law and your employer expects careful, reasonable actions.
The role of security is in risk management, not heroics. Life safety is your priority. Property can be replaced, people can’t. Act within your legal authorities, and company policies. Focus on safety, observation, communication and documentation. Force should only be used as a last resort.
This approach protects more than property. It protects you, your career, and the people around you. It also helps the police do their jobs, which is to seek out and arrest those responsible for the robbery. This approach is far more valuable than a security guard who gets hurt trying to protect some pretty jewellery. Proper training is key to being prepared to safely and effectively manage high-risk emergencies such as robberies. SecurityGuardCourse.ca offers an array of professional training programs to suit the needs of you and your team.
References
Government of Canada. (1985). Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46 (Justice Laws Website). Retrieved January 30, 2026, from https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/index.html
Nielsen, K., & Lieberman, C. (2024, December 18). Jewelry thefts plaguing Toronto area funding ‘other forms of criminal activity’: police. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/10922836/smash-and-grab-robbery-rates-soar-toronto-area/