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At around 17:15 on 15 January, two robbers, both men, targeted the recently opened George St store. One of the men, who appeared to be carrying a hand gun, grabbed a shop assistant and forced her to open a window display. An axe was also used to smash cabinets during the raid.
Both thieves made off with the jewellery on a black Honda 650 motorbike, which was later found abandoned in Northumberland Street Lane North.
Two women were working in ROX when the robbers struck. Both robbers had their hoods up during the raid – one was wearing a dark coloured top with jogging bottoms with a stripe down the sleeve and leg, and the other was wearing a dark top and dark jogging bottoms. Witnesses said one of the men spoke with an English accent and one had a local accent.
The axe used during the raid has been recovered and sent for forensic testing.
Detective chief inspector Bobby Deas of Lothian and Borders Police commented: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the shop staff to endure, although, thankfully, neither was injured as a result.
“An estimated £1 million worth of jewellery was stolen during this incident and we are conducting various lines of enquiry to trace these items and identify those responsible for their theft.
“The motorcycle, which was used during the suspects’ getaway, is believed to have made a lot of noise as it sped off and members of the public who were nearby would have heard it.
“We would now urge anyone who remembers seeing or hearing the bike, or who recognises the description of the riders, to contact police immediately.
“Similarly, anyone with any other information that can assist with our enquiries is also asked to come forward.”
A spokeswoman for ROX said: “We can confirm that the ROX store in the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, was targeted by armed robbers on 15 January. Staff are badly shaken but thankfully no-one was hurt.
“Initial estimates suggest that £1 million worth of stock has been taken, including diamond necklaces and engagements rings worth upwards of £100,000 each and luxury watches from brands including Hublot and Corum.
“Girard-Perregaux watches were also taken during the raid, however the rare Opera 2 timepiece worth £500,000 has not been in the store since Christmas.”
