Shoppers at Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener were shaken on Thursday evening after two youths allegedly brandished handguns and stole electric scooters from a pair of young victims — a crime that highlights rising concerns about youth-targeted violence even during the holiday shopping rush.
Armed Robbery Outside Mall: What Happened
According to the Waterloo Regional Police, the incident occurred around 7:50 p.m. when two youths were parking their electric scooters near the SportChek entrance of Fairview Park Mall. At that moment, they were approached by another group of two youths, who unexpectedly displayed handguns and demanded the scooters.
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The suspects reportedly stole both scooters in what police suspect was a targeted robbery rather than a random act.
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Thankfully, no injuries were reported. The victims were reportedly unhurt and cooperated with police.
Police Appeal for Public Help
Authorities are urging anyone with video footage or other relevant information to come forward. Residents who were near the mall, or who may have dash-cam or phone footage from the time and location, are asked to contact police at 519-570-9777, extension 4499.
Investigators hope that public assistance will help identify and locate the suspects, and potentially recover the stolen scooters.
A Disturbing Incident in the Middle of Holiday Season
This robbery serves as a sobering reminder that crime doesn’t always pause for the holidays. With increased foot traffic at shopping malls and people often distracted with purchases and gift lists, such venues can become attractive targets for criminals — especially those looking to snatch easily portable items like scooters, phones, or bags.
Mall-goers and parents of teenagers are being urged to take extra precautions:
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Avoid leaving personal items like scooters, bikes, or bags unattended — even briefly.
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Be aware of surroundings, especially in lower-lit or less-populated areas such as parking lots or mall exteriors.
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Consider using tracking locks or other deterrents on valuable items.
What the Incident Signals for Local Safety
Though it is too early to say whether this event reflects a wider rise in youth-targeted robberies around Kitchener-Waterloo, the boldness of the alleged perpetrators — flashing firearms in a busy public space — has raised understandable alarm. Security experts and community advocates argue that this may put pressure on malls to reassess their exterior security measures, especially in areas like bike or scooter parking zones which tend to be less monitored.
Some possible responses could include:
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Installing more video surveillance cameras near entrances and parking areas
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Improving lighting and visibility around scooter/bike racks
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Increasing security patrols during high-traffic hours, particularly evenings during holidays
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Encouraging people to use locks, chains or personal alarms for their mobility devices
Community Reaction: Shock and Concern
Local residents and shoppers have expressed shock and disappointment over the incident. For many, a trip to the mall during the holiday season is supposed to feel safe and festive. Instead, what happened at Fairview Park Mall was a harsh reminder of how quickly a simple outing can turn dangerous.
One frequent mall visitor commented, “I never thought something like this could happen here. My kids ride scooters to the mall, and now I’m worried.” Others pointed out that while thefts are not unheard of, the presence of firearms escalates the danger and changes the context entirely. Families and community members are now calling on mall management and local police to increase visibility and safety measures — especially during busy holiday weeks.
What Happens Next?
The Waterloo Regional Police have launched an active investigation, reviewing any available CCTV footage and canvassing the area for witnesses. Detectives have warned that the suspects should be considered potentially dangerous, given the alleged firearm involvement and bold nature of the robbery.
Meanwhile, Fairview Park Mall’s management — while not yet issuing a formal statement to the public — may be under pressure to re-examine current security protocols, particularly in parking zones where smaller, personal mobility devices are left unattended.
For the youth victims, the loss of their scooters may be distressing, but thankfully, they walked away physically unharmed. For the broader community, the incident serves as a chilling reminder: even in familiar, well-trafficked public spaces, vigilance and caution remain essential.
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