Only one day after a brazen smash-and-grab in Stratford, Ont., police encountered two “suspicious” individuals entering a vehicle with reportedly stolen licence plates in Niagara, Ont. Further investigation led to their arrests, after the discovery of more than $135,000 worth of stolen jewellery and a loaded 9-mm Luger handgun.
The connection was soon made to the highly efficient robbery of Stratford Mall’s Paris Jewellers. Masked, hooded, and wearing all black, four individuals were in and out of the store in less than one minute. One suspect was delegated the task of smashing display cases, while the other three were responsible for shoving as many jewellery pieces as they could into reusable grocery bags.
Police have identified the two arrested suspects as Josh Delaney and Donavin Stewart. Delaney and Stewart, both 21, with no fixed address, face seven criminal charges. The circumstances surrounding their Niagara arrest ensure these charges include possession of stolen property exceeding $5,000 and unlawful possession of a firearm.
While more than $135,000 of jewellery was recovered from Delaney and Stewart, an unknown sum has yet to be found. Police are still seeking the two remaining individuals involved in the Paris Jewellers robbery.
Anyone with information is requested to contact the Stratford Police Service.
