Toronto police are seeking suspects after a jewelry store in a shopping mall was robbed by people with hammers on Monday afternoon.

Police said officers were called to the scene at Fairview Mall at 1:20 p.m. The thieves used hammers to break the glass, police said, and several people in dark clothing were seen fleeing the scene.

They said a subsequent crash outside the mall parking lot that involved two vehicles is being investigated in connection with the robbery.

Some of the occupants fled the scene of the crash, police said, while at least one of the drivers remained on scene. Police said that driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Police are concerned about a “significant” rise in jewelry store robberies across Toronto, a police spokesperson told CBC Toronto in an email Monday afternoon.

As of last week, 43 jewelry store robberies had been reported so far this year, compared to 21 during the same time period last year. That’s more than a 100 per cent increase, police said.

WATCH | GTA experiencing spike in jewelry store robberies:

Toronto police said they’re working closely with other police services across the Greater Toronto Area, as well as with Crime Stoppers, jewelry store owners, property management companies and security companies to combat the thefts.

They’re also encouraging retailers to adopt security measures that would make them less attractive to thieves, including:

• Implementing a locked-door policy to control access to the premises.

• Using display cases with high-security locks and tempered glass.

• Avoiding the display of real jewelry when possible, especially in unattended areas.

• Ensuring security cameras are installed and functioning properly, with clear visibility of entry points and high-value areas.

• Conducting regular staff training on how to respond during a robbery and recognizing suspicious behaviour.

• Establishing clear communication protocols with local police and neighbouring businesses.