The Vancouver Province is reporting that three thieves executed a bold daylight robbery yesterday of Costen Catbalue Goldsmith and Design in the 1800-block of West 1st Avenue shortly before 11am.
Three men, one brandishing bear-spray, “implied” they had a weapon, then smashed display cases with a hammer and stole an undisclosed quantity of jewelry before escaping into a waiting vehicle, driven by a fourth suspect, said Vancouver police Const. Anne Longley. The getaway vehicle was found abandoned a few blocks away.
Costen Catbalue’s Andrew Costen and Mary Ann Buis would not disclose the value of what was stolen, but the studio’s website notes the two designers specialize in Canadian diamonds, gold, platinum and rare, exotic gemstones from around the world.
Neither the designers nor any of the staff were injured during the robbery. Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Last modified: April 2, 2009
