CCTV image released after jewellery theft

Buy photos » Police want to speak to this man about the jewellery theft (s)

POLICE in Worcester have released this CCTV picture of a man they want to speak to about the theft of a necklace and bracelet worth more than £1,000 from a jewellers.

The items were stolen from Ernest Jones on the High Street on Thursday (June 7) between 2pm and 2.20pm.

A man entered the store and asked to look at two items of jewellery. He then asked the shop assistants to put the jewellery on, claiming he wanted to see what they would look like on his girlfriend.

He then took photographs of the necklace and bracelet on his mobile phone, saying he was sending them to his girlfriend.

He then appeared to have a conversation on his phone with his girlfriend, before grabbing the items of jewellery which had been placed back on the counter, and running out of the store in the direction of St Swithin's Street.

PC Paul Wanklyn said: "There is an element of distraction to this theft, rather than the items being simply snatched from the shop.

"The stolen necklace is described as a 9 carat gold belcher chain which is 18ins in length. A 9 carat gold candy bracelet was also taken. Both had heart charms on them and they have a combined value of over £1,000.

"We are releasing this CCTV image of a man who was seen in the area of the jewellers at around the time the theft happened. We are keen to trace him as he may be able to help us with our inquiry.

"I would urge anyone who knows who this man is or saw him on the day of the theft to contact us."

Anyone with information can call PC Wanklyn on 0300 333 3000 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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