Tens of thousands of pounds worth of jewellery and watches were stolen when masked raiders broke into and vandalised a Staffordshire jewellers.
Axe-wielding masked robbers smashed the window of City Jewellers in Market Street, Lichfield while staff were inside on Tuesday morning (November 13).
Owner Paul Shepherd told Birmingham Live: “They smashed the windows and helped themselves.
“We chased them but they had a car waiting. We identified the car, a Ford Focus, and got the registration number but it is probably stolen or has false registration plates.”
Mr Shepherd confirmed that diamond jewellery and Rolex watches worth tens of thousands of pounds were taken in the raid which happened at around 10.45am.
“It is very unpleasant when this happens,” added Mr Shepherd. “We hope that those responsible are caught.”
Mr Shepherd said that all his shop staff are fine although shaken by the robbery.
He did wish to thank the concerned customers who have come into the shop.
“It shows how many people do care,” he said. “It makes a difference.”
Mr Shepherd added that the shop remains open despite the raid.
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: “The incident was initially reported at 10.45am, with offenders gaining access to the premises by smashing a window, and making off via the alleyway in Bolt Court, with a selection of jewellery.
“Any witnesses or anyone with any information can contact 101, quoting incident number 204 of November 13”.
