Male arrested, 4 remain at large after jewelry store robbed at Conestoga Mall in Waterloo

Waterloo regional police have arrested one male and are searching for other suspects after a jewelry store was robbed at Conestoga Mall in Waterloo on Wednesday afternoon.

A police social media post around 4:30 p.m. ET said there would be increased police presence at the shopping centre.

Three hours later, an update said one person had been arrested

Police said five unknown males entered a jewelry store with hammers and what is believed to be bear mace. The males smashed display cases and stole items before police arrived. 

They said they found the vehicle the suspects drove away in, but it was empty.

While continuing to search the area, police found one of the male suspects who was since been arrested and charged.

2nd mall robbery this week

Wednesday's mall robbery was the second in the region this week, and police believe the two are connected. 

Regional police continue to investigate another robbery at a jewelry store at Cambridge Centre Mall on Monday. 

Around 8:15 p.m., officers were called to the mall on Hespeler Road for reports of the robbery. 

They said three unknown masked males entered the store with hammers, smashed the display cases and stole merchandise. 

The suspects drove away in a getaway car waiting outside, police said, and the suspects were carrying duffel bags at the time of the robbery. No physical injuries were reported.

Anyone with information about either robbery is being asked to contact police at 519-570-9777 ext. 8255 or Crime Stoppers.