Five suspects have been arrested and a vehicle has been recovered after the robbery of a jewelry store within Georgian Mall Friday afternoon led to the full evacuation of the shopping centre.
The incident occurred just before 3 p.m. on the bottom floor adjacent to where Santa was meeting with kids. That area was eventually taped off when police arrived.
Video posted to social media showed at least four masked thieves wearing all black committing the smash-and-grab theft with what appeared to be hammers. Witnesses described that pepper spray had been used during the incident, but did not confirm the user.
At least six Barrie Police cruisers and a fire truck were seen heading north on Bayfield Street toward the area of the mall when the incident was unfolding. Barrie Police confirmed a large police presence, but couldn't provide an exact number of responding officers.
At approximately 5:13 p.m., police advised that the fourth and fifth suspects had been taken into custody, and that they weren't seeking additional suspects.
The service adds OPP assisted with the investigation and that more info will be provided when possible.
