Brazen thief grabs £8k diamond ring
ABRAZEN thief snatched a £8,000 diamond ring from a Southport shop worker’s hand then fled the shop.
Staff members at Weldons Jewellery and Antiques, in Lord Street, were left shaken after a man entered the shop at about 1.15pm on Tuesday afternoon and asked to see a ring that he had seen in the window.
Deborah Prior, who has worked for the Weldon family for 21 years, lifted the £8,000 diamond solitaire ring out of the case to show him.
She said: “He walked towards the counter and asked to see a specific ring that he had spotted. I put my glasses on and opened
the cabinet, lifting the ring from under the glass.
“As I undid the belt and lifted it up to show him, he just snatched it from my hand and ran out of the shop.”
She said that the staff and owners were devastated by the theft.
She said: “We are all very upset by this and I’m still really shaken.
“It all happened so quick but we are devastated that someone could do this to us.
“The Weldons have been here for 102 years. I’m heartbroken someone would treat them with such little respect.
“It is a very high grade diamond and we would really like it back so it could go to someone who deserves it.”
Deborah described the thief as white, about 5ft 10in and of muscular or stocky build.
He had short, dark hair and facial hair and spoke with a Liverpool accent.
At the time of the theft, he was wearing a navy T-shirt and shorts.
CCTV footage from inside the shop shows a man police think could help them with their inquiries.
A spokesperson for Merseyside police said: “We are appealing for information following the theft of a ring from a Southport jewellers.
“At around 1pm, we were called to an incident at Weldons Jewellers on Lord Street to reports of the theft of a ring.
“It is believed that a man entered the shop and asked to see a ring worth around £8,000, before grabbing it and running off. Witness and CCTV inquiries are ongoing.”
Sgt Jenni Bowman said: “We are aware of CCTV footage in circulation of a man who we think may have information about this brazen theft.
“Have you been offered any jewellery in the area today and are unsure of its origin?
“Let us know via our social media desk or pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
Anyone with information can contact @MerPolCC, call 101 with reference 19100481411 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.