A Calgary jewelry store owner is reeling after a late-night smash-and-grab left her with a significant loss in gold. The soaring price of gold has made it an attractive target for thieves, and this incident has left Jami Hughes, the owner of Treasure Mountain, considering her future in the jewelry business. Hughes shared her story with Global News, detailing the traumatic experience and the impact it has had on her business.
On February 2nd, at around 1:26 a.m., thieves broke into the store and stole a kilo of gold rings, pendant necklaces, and other jewelry. The security camera footage shows a person using bolt cutters to smash the front door and enter the store with an accomplice. Hughes believes the thieves knew exactly what they were after and had likely scoped out the store beforehand.
The total value of the stolen gold jewelry is estimated to be between $140,000 and $200,000. Hughes normally keeps the gold in a locked safe at night, but on the night of the theft, she was tired and didn't put the gold away, which she now regrets. The Calgary Police Service is investigating the case, and the statement from CPS confirms that officers arrived and cleared the building, but the suspect had already fled.
Hughes is now considering selling off the remaining jewelry and closing the store permanently. She feels unsafe and is reeling from the experience. The high price of gold has made it a lucrative target for thieves, and this incident has left Hughes questioning her future in the jewelry business. The price of gold has soared by 55% in 2025, and many investors see it as a safe place to put their money during economic uncertainty.
This incident raises questions about the safety of jewelry store owners and the impact of the high price of gold on the industry. Hughes' story is a stark reminder of the risks involved in the jewelry business, and it invites discussion about the best ways to protect against such crimes. Will Hughes' experience lead to changes in the industry, and how can store owners better protect themselves and their customers?
