A Toronto-area jewelry store owner boldly fought off three masked robbers using only a broomstick during a violent attempted robbery. Jerry Sorani, the owner of Jewellery Forever in Markham, refused to let criminals steal from his store without putting up a fight.
The attempted robbery took place on October 3 and was caught on the store’s surveillance cameras. The video shows three masked and hooded individuals entering the store, with one of them smashing a glass display case with a hammer. Sorani quickly responded by grabbing a broomstick and striking one of the suspects several times, causing all three to flee the scene.
“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 acted on instinct to protect the business he had worked hard to build.
'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
Despite warnings from law enforcement about the dangers of confronting criminals, Sorani said he would defend his store again if necessary. “If I didn’t fight back, they would think they could just do this anywhere,” he explained. Sorani admitted that while he wasn’t afraid of the thieves, he was more concerned about potentially being charged with assault for defending himself.
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 continuing their investigation into the attempted robbery. No arrests have been made. Police are reminding business owners to prioritize their safety, warning that engaging with criminals can escalate violence. “You never know what someone is willing to do,” said Const. James Dickson.
Jewelry store robberies have surged in the Greater Toronto Area, with York Region reporting 14 incidents in 2024, up from seven the previous year. This sharp increase has left many business owners fearing for their safety and livelihoods.
Sorani has since increased security at his store, keeping the doors locked during business hours. “In 25 years, I’ve never had to lock my doors,” Sorani said. “It’s sad that this is the reality now.”
Sorani’s quick and fearless response has drawn widespread support online, but it also highlights the growing threat of violent crime facing small businesses in the area.
