Teeside jeweller hit by armed robbers

Market Cross Jewellers in Yarm, Teeside, has been hit by an armed robbery with hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of jewellery believed to have been taken. 

Cleveland Police have confirmed that four offenders in balaclavas entered the store just before 5pm on Monday, armed with “bladed or edged” weapons.

Police said that contrary to some reports of the suspects carrying a gun, it is not believed that any firearms were involved.

The offenders allegedly smashed display cases at the jewellers and made off with a large number of high value watches and jewels. No-one was injured.

Detective Inspector Mark Dimelow of the Major Crime Team said: “We know that the suspects left the scene in a silver coloured Audi A6 motor vehicle. This was found abandoned a short time later near to Yarm Cricket Club on Leven Road, Yarm.

“A dedicated team is making every effort to trace those responsible and we are following a number of leads. This was a brazen robbery at a busy time of day in a busy town high street.  We know there were many people around at the time, both pedestrians and passing motorists.

“We have spoken to a number of witnesses already but would urge anyone who has not yet spoken to police and who saw anything suspicious in or around the High Street either in the hours before this took place or as the men left the scene to get in touch.”

Cleveland police are urging anyone with information to call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.