Smash-and-grab robbery at Place d’Orléans

Police are looking for three males involved in a “brazen” smash-and-grab robbery in Orléans.

It happened on June 18, around 5:45 p.m. Officers responded to the 1200 block of Place d’Orléans Drive for a commercial robbery in progress. Police said in a brief press release that the three males involved left in a stolen vehicle and are still on the run.

“These smash-and-grab incidents are brazen, often occurring during busy times of day with little concern for being seen,” police said in a release. “Many take place in mall settings, which increases the suspects’ chances of being observed or recorded.”

Officials say these situations are often organized and premeditated. Suspects are often wearing disguises and have a getaway vehicle parked nearby. This trend first emerged in the Greater Toronto Area before spreading to other areas.

To date, police have investigated 10 smash-and-grab robberies in the city since January. In three of the cases charges were placed against five people, while others remain under investigation.

“Shop owners and employees are being forced to remain increasingly vigilant, monitoring the flow of people entering and exiting throughout the day. In mall settings, this is particularly challenging due to the open nature of foot traffic,” officials said. “However, smaller, standalone stores are in a better position to control access — and many have already adopted such precautionary measures.”

Often, bystanders pull out their phones to film the interaction, which could be crucial evidence for police.

Police are urging people to contact the Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5116.

“Even seemingly minor details could help move these investigations forward,” they said.