Jewellery Shop Withstands Brazen Raid Attempt – Two Arrested

Published on: 30 May, 2018
Updated on: 31 May, 2018

A passer by surveys the smashed window that withstood a raiders’ attempt to enter the Maunder Watch Company in North Street at the junction with Angel Gate

Two suspects have been arrested following an attempted burglary of a jewellery store, the Maunder Watch Company on North Street, Guildford. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 27 at around 11.25am.

The offenders got out of a vehicle just outside the jewellers and attempted to force entry into the shop, but were unsuccessful.

The manager of the shop, who did not wish to be named, was present when the raid took place.

He said: “I was sitting facing the front door and saw the two men approach the shop masked up, one armed with a large axe. I knew it wasn’t going to be a friendly visit.

“The man with the axe tried first to kick the door open and when he saw that would not work he tried to smash the windows.

I knew it wasn’t going to be a friendly visit…

“He must have hit the windows about five times but it didn’t give way. It was all over within about 20 seconds. We called the police straight away and they were here within minutes, a very fast reaction.”

Asked if it was a scary experience the manager said: “Well it certainly wasn’t very pleasant. We were ready for it though, most jewellery shops in Guildford have been raided at least once and our systems worked very well, especially the state of the art strengthened windows.”

The shop remains open for business.

The police say that, so far, two people have been arrested and released under investigation while further lines of enquiry are being pursued.

Surrey Police is now appealing for witnesses. Detective Constable Anthony Gravener said: “We are determined to catch the people involved in this incident and we want to assure members of the public that we are pursuing all lines of enquiry.

“Any information from the public is vital and I would urge anyone with information about this incident to get in contact with us as quickly as possible.”

A police spokesperson added: “We know that many members of the public were close by but we don’t believe we’ve managed to trace and speak to everyone at this time. If you were in your car on North Street at around 11:25 on Sunday, 27 May and you have a dash cam, please get in touch as you may have caught something.

“If you saw anything or you have any information please call us on 101 quoting reference number PR/45180055468. Alternatively, you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.”