Updated: THIEVES stole jewellery worth thousands of pounds in a raid on a York city centre jewellery shop.

The raiders struck at Silverado in Shambles sometime during the evening of Monday, April 5 and the following morning.

The thieves also tried unsuccessfully to force shutters at the nearby W Hamond Original Whitby Jet Shop, damaging part of the original wooden fixtures of the historic shop front.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “In the first incident the thief or thieves broke a window and took a large quantity of jewellery which included bracelets decorated with diamonds, gold and silver discs, flower designs, a charm bracelet, necklaces in gold and silver of various lengths and designs including diamond, teardrop and oval pendants and cluster of charms stones.

“Also stolen was a mixture of gold and silver plain stud earrings, others were decorated with diamonds, with hanging tear drop shapes and discs.

“A sterling silver ring with three diamonds, jewellery in the shape of flowers and butterflies were also taken by the thieves.

“At the second premises the thieves attempted to gain entry by damaging a grille that covered a window.”

The spokesman estimated the value of the haul to be well into the thousands and an appeal has now been issued for anyone who may have been in the area on the night of the raid to contact the police.

Anyone who has any information about either of the break-ins, or has information that could help progress the inquiry, trace the offenders or locate the stolen jewellery, is asked to phone PC Neville King on 0845 6060247, quoting reference number 12100052775.

Alternatively, phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.


Police hunt shops conman

POLICE in York are hunting a fraudster who is targeting jewellery shops in the city.

The conman is phoning the shops and claiming to be working for the police before asking them to make a donation to charity by purchasing advertising space in police diaries.

If anyone declines or asks for a number to call him back the man becomes abusive and hangs up.

The fraudster always withholds his phone number and usually calls between 10am and 4pm.

Police Community Support Officer Katie Woodhouse said: “I would like all of the retailers in the city centre to know that this man has absolutely no connection with the police and is trying to obtain money by deception.”

Anyone who has been a victim of the conman or has any information about his identity should phone PCSO Katie Woodhouse on 0845 6060247.