Robbers strike Warwick jewellers

A Warwick jewellers was struck by crowbar wielding robbers yesterday who managed to steal a large amount of stock.

The robbery took place at around 4.45pm at Hamlington's in Market Place when three men wearing balaclavas entered the business.

After taking a large amount of jewellery from the cabinet, the men are then believed to have left the area in a dark grey Audi 4x4, partial registration ending 'DMF', which was waiting outside with a fourth man inside.

Nobody was injured in the incident and police are appealing for witnesses.

Business owner David Hamlington said: "It’s a very shocking thing to happen, you don’t expect it, not in sleepy Warwick. Our members of staff were not physically harmed but they’ll be mentally scarred by what happened.

“They (the robbers) came in, jumped behind the counter and basically threatened to harm staff if they didn’t do what they said.

“The wellbeing of our staff is our top priority and we are working to support them during this time. We will be shut for a couple of days whilst we work out how to move forward, but we will be up and running again soon, we won’t be beaten by this, we’re down but we’re not out.”

David added that a vehicle used by the criminals is believed to be a grey Audi, which he said was also spotted close to the shop on 11 January.

Detective Inspector Tim Sharp of Leamington CID said: "We take all reports of this nature very seriously and a thorough investigation has been launched.

"We're thankful that nobody was injured during this incident, but it was an understandably distressing ordeal for those involved.

"Officers arrived quickly at the scene and people will have noticed an increased police presence as enquiries continue. I urge anyone who witnessed the incident or anybody who may have seen a suspicious dark grey Audi in the area to contact us on 101, quoting incident number 270 of 16 January."

If you have any information which could help police call 101 with the crime reference number 270 of 16th January.