An update provided by the York Regional Police on Friday revealed that an elegantly dressed man, who initially appeared to be a potential customer, was actually part of a team of robbers targeting a jewelry store at Pacific Mall in Markham.

Following multiple reports of an armed heist, police officers promptly responded to the scene in the Steeles Avenue and Kennedy Road vicinity at approximately 3:10 p.m. on Thursday.

According to the police update, the suspect, dressed in a suit, managed to gain entry into the store before his accomplices forcefully entered.

The sequence of events unfolded as follows: the male suspect in the suit rang the store’s doorbell, patiently waiting for an employee to unlock the door. Once the door was opened, the suspect assaulted the employee and entered alongside three other individuals.

Once inside, the perpetrators proceeded to smash the display cases and seize high-end watches. Although a firearm was discharged at one point, fortunately, no one sustained any injuries. Having obtained a quantity of valuable items, the criminals swiftly fled the store and made their escape in a waiting vehicle.

The initial suspect who rang the door was described by the police as a brown-skinned male, aged between 20 and 30 years old, standing at around five foot six with a slender build. He had black hair, brown eyes, and was attired in a grey two-piece suit, a blue dress shirt, and black shoes. The remaining three suspects were identified as males wearing dark clothing, hoods, and masks.

In light of this incident, the police offered valuable advice to stores carrying valuable inventory, emphasizing the importance of engaging with customers and trusting one’s instincts before granting access. They urged store employees to communicate with customers prior to admitting them and encouraged them to exercise caution if they feel uneasy or apprehensive.