Hamilton Restaurant Undergoes Traumatic Armed Robbery

On a day meant to celebrate fathers, a shocking armed robbery at a Hamilton steakhouse left staff shaken and the community on edge. The incident, which took place at the Smith and McKenzie steakhouse in Lynden Court, Chartwell, occurred just before 11:30 am on Sunday, as the restaurant prepared for a busy lunch service.

According to police, two men entered the premises through the back door shortly before the restaurant was set to open. One of the suspects was armed with a firearm, which he used to threaten the staff during the robbery. The intruders caused significant damage to the restaurant, ransacked the area, and made off with the till before fleeing the scene. The entire ordeal lasted approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

In response to the incident, armed police were quickly dispatched to the area. While a vehicle suspected to be linked to the robbery was discovered nearby in the Chartwell region, the suspects remained at large as of Sunday afternoon. Police cordoned off the area and conducted inquiries with local residents and businesses in the hopes of identifying the perpetrators.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, the restaurant’s management expressed their profound shock and sadness over the incident. They noted that the staff, though deeply affected, remained composed during the traumatic event. The restaurant also apologized for any disruption to customers' Father’s Day plans and confirmed that it would still open for dinner on Sunday.

This is not the first time the steakhouse has been targeted by criminals. The establishment previously reported an ATM robbery in a separate incident, raising concerns about the safety of the area and the restaurant’s vulnerability to such crimes.

As the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the unsettling reality of such an incident occurring on a day meant for celebration. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for increased security measures in local businesses and the importance of community vigilance in the face of crime.