Montreal Jewelry Heists Skyrocket: Teen Exploitation Fuels Crime

Montreal has seen a dramatic increase in jewelry store robberies, with 46 incidents reported in the region this year alone, a threefold rise from previous periods. Former detective Pietro Poletti attributes this surge primarily to the escalating price of gold, making it a lucrative target for criminal enterprises. These groups reportedly exploit the desire for quick cash among young individuals. Statistics Canada data reveals a concerning 71 percent increase in violent youth crime in Quebec between 2015 and 2025. Criminologist Stéphanie Chouinard-Thivierge explains that factors such as impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and difficulties with self-regulation contribute to teenagers engaging in criminal activities. Other contributing elements include exposure to family violence, instability, and peer pressure. She emphasizes that the decision-making processes of adolescents are still developing, making them more susceptible to prioritizing immediate rewards over long-term consequences, particularly when influenced by peers. Chouinard-Thivierge also notes that teenage offending does not automatically predict adult criminality, and interventions must consider individual situations.