
A Toronto-area jeweler bravely fought off three masked thieves with nothing but a broomstick during a terrifying smash-and-grab robbery attempt. Jerry Sorani, the owner of Jewellery Forever in Markham, took swift action to protect his business from the criminals.
The incident occurred on October 3 when three hooded and masked suspects entered Sorani’s store. Surveillance footage captured one of the robbers smashing a glass display case with a hammer. Without hesitation, Sorani grabbed a broomstick and struck one of the thieves several times, forcing the group to flee empty-handed.
“I just got up and said, ‘No, it’s not going to happen here,'” Sorani told CBC News. Sorani, who immigrated to Canada from Iraq 30 years ago, explained that he acted instinctively to defend the business he has built over decades.
'Not going to happen': Markham jewelry store owner fights off robbers with broomstickhttps://t.co/nsPAEv6mvV pic.twitter.com/G69bENOJVt
— CTV Toronto (@CTVToronto) January 10, 2025
While police warn against confronting criminals, Sorani believes that standing up to the thieves was necessary. “If I didn’t fight back, they would think they could do this anywhere,” he said. Sorani admitted that his biggest concern wasn’t the robbers but the possibility of facing legal trouble for defending his store.
A Toronto jewelry store owner fought back against masked thieves with nothing but a broom! His wild confrontation has gone viral, highlighting the unexpected challenges retailers face. Curious about this brave showdown? Check the full story here: … https://t.co/KtCdFXBneY
— Spanglish Canada (@wearspanglish) January 9, 2025
York Regional Police are still investigating the robbery attempt. No arrests have been made, and police continue to caution business owners to prioritize personal safety during such events. “Any physical altercation can lead to an escalation of violence,” said Const. James Dickson.
Jewelry store robberies have been on the rise in the Greater Toronto Area. York Region saw a troubling increase in smash-and-grab thefts, doubling from seven cases in 2023 to 14 in 2024. This surge in violent crime has left many business owners on edge.
In response to the growing threat, Sorani has tightened security at his store, keeping the doors locked even during business hours. “In 25 years, I’ve never had to lock my doors,” Sorani said. “It’s disappointing that it’s come to this.”
Sorani’s bold response has gone viral on social media, earning praise for his courage. However, it also underscores growing concerns about rising crime and the safety of small business owners in Toronto.