Frustration after £150,000 of jewellery swiped in raid

THE OWNER of a jewellers which was raided for £150,000 of Pandora items has appealed for information to bring the thieves to justice.
Pressleys owner Jonathan Pressley, whose Worthing store was raided on June 8 for £150,000 of Pandora items SUS-140620-160808001Pressleys owner Jonathan Pressley, whose Worthing store was raided on June 8 for £150,000 of Pandora items SUS-140620-160808001
Pressleys owner Jonathan Pressley, whose Worthing store was raided on June 8 for £150,000 of Pandora items SUS-140620-160808001

A gang caused at least £10,000 of damage and stole a significant quantity of bracelets and charms from Pressleys, in South Street, Worthing, on June 8.

Owner Jonathan Pressley said the incident was ‘frustrating’ but his business had increased security and would come back ‘stronger’ as a result.

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“It’s a little bit frustrating because it is upsetting for the staff,” he said.

“It’s not as bad as a daylight burglary when staff are confronted but it costs us a huge amount of money, even though we are covered by insurance.

“It has knocked us down but is only going to make us stronger.”

The thieves first attempted to gain access to the shop through the roof, before breaking in via an entrance at the rear of the store.

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An alarm system, linked directly to the police, was activated but the suspects made off before officers arrived.

Security, which was already extensive, has now been improved further.

Mr Pressley said: “They managed to break in through the back door with incredible force and were in and out in a matter of minutes.

“It could have been worse but we have managed to replenish stock and are now back on track.”

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The business, which also has branches in Chichester, has been the target of several major break-ins in recent years.

Mr Pressley said it was the third major Pandora burglary across the company but the first in Worthing.

He said: “They (the thieves) are targeting Pandora at the moment because of the popularity of it and it is such good quality.

“The last time someone tried to burgle our Worthing shop got caught and went down, which couldn’t have been worth it. It’s an enormous risk.”

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He added: “If anyone knows anything or suspects anything please contact the police. If we can crack down on this then Worthing will be a safer, happier place.”

Police has called for any witness or anyone with information to call 101 or email [email protected] quoting serial 1479 of 8/6.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

See next week’s Herald for more on the firm’s plans to expand in Worthing.

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