Sledgehammer could hold key to inquiry

A sledgehammer used to smash open jewellery shop display cabinets could hold the key to the investigation.

Through CCTV footage of the Gleneagles raid, detectives have been able to pinpoint the exact type of hammer brandished during the heist.

They have urged anyone who may have sold the tool to the gang to come forward.

Images of the type of watches stolen have also been released.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Patrick said: “The hammer was an Am-Tech 4lb sledgehammer with a fibre glass shaft.

“I would appeal to anyone who knows where this item was purchased to contact us.

“This type of hammer can be widely purchased at a variety of locations. What I am really appealing for is anyone who may have seen someone with the hammer to come forward.

“Or perhaps someone has information about the hammer being sold in a manner which could appear suspicious.”

DCI Patrick added: “I would also appeal to anyone who is offered the watches for sale to get in touch, particularly jewellery stores, pawn brokers and shopkeepers.”

Police know the serial numbers of each watch taken, meaning they may be difficult to sell in the UK.

DCI Patrick said there were also difficulties establishing what accents the gang members had.

“At Gleneagles there were a lot of people and witnesses of different nationalities and their interpretations of accents can vary widely,” he said.

Staff and hotel guests affected by the robbery have been offered counselling and support.

“This would have been a very terrifying experience,” said DCI Patrick.

He added: “I think 10 days into the investigation, we have achieved a lot. This is a nationwide inquiry now, linked to London, Kent and the west coast of Scotland.

“I would describe this as an organised crime, with a level of pre-planning.”