24News.ca

Quebec police are investigating a brazen midday robbery that occurred at a shopping mall jewelry store in Laval, where a thief made off with several thousand dollars’ worth of merchandise.

Police say the robbery happened at around noon at a Birks store at the Carrefour Laval mall.

The thief walked into the store, pulled out a hammer and began smashing display cases and taking their contents, investigators said. The suspect was a white male wearing a mask, and did not speak to anyone before pulling out the hammer, they said.

The suspect stole the contents of about eight display cases and made his escape with the valuables stuffed in a briefcase, police said. He also pulled out a handgun as he left the store, but did not fire any shots.

No one was injured in the incident, but witnesses say the robbery caused a panic at the mall, which was packed with last-minute Christmas shoppers.

Among the items stolen were a number of Breitling watches, which retail for several thousand dollars each.

Police spokesperson Franco Di Gionova said a security guard was on duty at the time.

Police say they have many witnesses to the robbery, and are also requesting access to security footage from the store and the mall.

Investigators are looking for a white male in connection with the robbery. No further details about the suspect’s appearance have been released at this time.