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Oshawa, ON--Shoppers at Oshawa Centre helped detain suspects after a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store on the afternoon of March 29, before security personnel arrived. The incident took place at about 3:45 p.m., and all suspects linked to the robbery were later arrested.

[Image via iStock.com/Michał Chodyra]

According to CTV News, videos from the scene showed one shopper restraining an alleged suspect until security arrived, while another recording showed three shoppers holding a second suspect on the ground before guards handcuffed him.

Per the report, Public Safety Analyst Chris Lewis said police agencies would not encourage civilians to intervene in crimes in progress because of the potential danger. He said citizens may make an arrest under Section 494(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada if they witness an indictable offence or reasonably believe a suspect is trying to escape after committing one.

As reported by the outlet, Durham Regional Police Const. Nicholas Gluckstein said such arrests must happen immediately after the alleged offence and the suspect must be turned over to police without delay.

He added that police do not advise the public to make arrests because suspects may be armed or otherwise dangerous, although no civilians were physically injured in this case.

More details are available in this report.