A Toronto-area jewelry store owner bravely fought off three masked thieves using only a broomstick during a violent smash-and-grab robbery attempt. Jerry Sorani, owner of Jewellery Forever in Markham, refused to stand by as criminals tried to ransack his store.
The incident took place on October 3 and was captured on the store’s surveillance cameras. The video shows three hooded and masked suspects entering the store, with one smashing a glass display case with a hammer. Sorani quickly sprang into action, grabbing a broomstick and striking one of the suspects multiple times. His unexpected resistance caused all three would-be thieves to flee the store 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, said he instinctively reacted to protect the business he has built over the years.
'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
Police have advised against confronting criminals, warning that such actions could escalate the situation. However, Sorani expressed no regret for defending his store. “If I didn’t fight back, they would think they could keep getting away with it,” he explained.
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 attempted robbery, but no arrests have been made. Police stress that business owners should prioritize their safety over property. Const. James Dickson warned, “You never know what someone is capable of or what they’re willing to do.”
Jewelry store robberies in York Region have doubled over the past year, rising from seven incidents in 2023 to 14 in 2024. The increase in violent crimes has led business owners like Sorani to take extra precautions. His store now remains locked during business hours to prevent further attempts.
The surveillance footage of Sorani defending his store has gone viral online, drawing widespread praise for his bravery. However, the incident also highlights growing concerns about rising crime and the safety of business owners across the Greater Toronto Area.
