Thousands of pounds worth of jewellery stolen in burglary – Rochdale

September 24, 2012, 11:41 am

Jewellery worth thousands of pounds was stolen during a burglary at a jewellers and pawnbrokers in Rochdale.

The burglary happened at the Nathan and Co Jewellers and Pawnbrokers store on Yorkshire Street  about 10.45am on 22 September 2012.

One of the offenders came in through the entrance door and then used a stone to wedge it open.  Once inside, the thief produced a unknown implement from his jacket pocket.

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He then smashed the glass display cabinet and stole jewellery. As he fled, members of staff activated the smoke screen deterrent but it was too late and the offender ran off down Reed Hill, across Hunters Lane and towards Manchester Road.

It is believed a second man was waiting outside the store acting as lookout.

Police are now appealing to anyone who either witnessed these two men hanging around the area moments before or after the burglary, or who saw the burglary itself, to come forward.

Officers are also asking anyone who is offered a 9ct Byzantine necklace and matching bracelet, or two 9ct Curb bracelets, which are worth thousands of pounds, to call police immediately.

The main offender is described as wearing a grey baseball cap and a black balaclava, a black jacket, black gloves and black tracksuit-style trousers and trainers. He is of stocky build, about 5ft 7in to 5ft 9in tall and in his late teens to early 20s.

Detective Constable Andrew Robinson, of Rochdale CID, said: “I want to ask people who may have been in the area at the time of this burglary to cast their minds back and try to remember if they saw two men hanging around outside this pawnbrokers.

“It is possible they may have been unmasked at that time but they might also have had baseball caps or hoods up and may have attracted suspicion, so if you saw these two men we need to hear from you.

“Once the smoke screen was activated, a large crowd gathered outside the shop so there are potentially lots of witnesses we need to speak to who may have vital information that help us capture these two men.

“I would appeal to anyone with information, either about the burglary itself or if you are offered this jewellery from anyone other than a licensed dealer, to call police immediately.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4557 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.