October 26, 2009
Halloween jewel thieves break in through roof
Masked bandit wrestles with owner, flees with loot

Police interview the owner of Sona Chandi Jewellers on Gerrard St. E. yesterday after two masked men came through the roof of the store, fought with the owner and fled with loot. (Sun Media/Rob Lamberti)

TORONTO -- The 48-year-old owner of a Little India jewelry shop managed to rip off the mask of a bandit who robbed his store yesterday.

At least two robbers, and as many of four, came through the roof of the Sona Chandi Jewellers shop in the India Centre, on Gerrard St. E., near Coxwell Ave., around 1 p.m.

The victim struggled with at least one of the intruders and managed to knock off his Halloween mask, Toronto Police said.

The bandit is described as white with a moustache.

Police said it's unclear if the robbers were armed with one or two pistols.

Investigators said the victim suffered minor facial injuries during the heist. The suspects fled with loot in black garbage bags. Police said no cash was stolen.


The front door of the jewelry is locked and controlled by a buzzer, police said.

Investigators said the robber snuck on to the second floor of the former theatre, where the store is located. Another officer said it's obvious planning went into the robbery.

CANOE.CA CNEWS