Distraction Theft at High Street Jewellery Store

Published on: 11 Jun, 2013
Updated on: 12 Jun, 2013

Whibleys Jewellery shop at the bottom of Guildford High Street

Thieves targeted Whibleys jewellery store in Guildford yesterday (Monday, June 10) and distracted staff before making off with a high value ring.

The incident, at the store located at the bottom of the High Street, happened when three suspects, two men and a woman, entered the shop just before 1.30pm.

The trio asked staff if they could look at a number of items of expensive jewellery from the window display. They managed to distract employees with their different demands and in doing so a yellow diamond ring, worth thousands of pounds, was stolen.

The suspects are all described as being of Middle Eastern or Asian appearance. The first man is described as being aged around 50-years-old, slightly overweight and was wearing blue jeans, black jacket and a blue baseball cap.

The second man had short black hair with distinctive narrow sideburns and a chubby face. He was wearing a chequered jacket and a green baseball cap.

The woman is described as being over 50-years-old and of a medium to slightly fat build. She was wearing glasses, white trousers, a blue top with a jacket over it and a white head scarf.

Detective Constable Andy Greaves of Guildford CID investigating said: “This was a determined offence in which the three audacious thieves worked together to ensure staff at the store were sufficiently distracted before the woman swiped the ring from the display.

“The theft took place when the town was busy with lunchtime activity and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed these three suspects to call me with any information. I would urge other retailers to be aware of this latest incident and to keep a vigilant security eye out for any similar distraction techniques.

“Surrey Police will not tolerate this type of retail crime and officers will do everything possible to bring these offenders to justice. Ultimately such incidents affect everyone in the community when the economy is in such a precarious condition. Please help find these thieves and ensure Guildford is a safe place to shop.”

According to its website, Whibleys is an independent family business with 19th century origins in London. In addition to Guildford, they have shops at Worthing, Horsham and Richmond.

Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference GD/13/4888. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11.