Valuable coins stolen

9 January 2011, 09:23 | Updated: 9 January 2011, 09:27

Police in Biggleswade are appealing for witnesses following a robbery at a specialist coin and jewellery shop on Wednesday (January 5).

It happened between 11am and 11.15am when an elderly well-dressed man entered Cambridge Coins and Jewellery in the High Street, Biggleswade and asked to view a valuable Victorian sovereign.

The man grabbed the business owner from behind and forced him to face the floor as he returned through the secured area with the coin.  A second robber then entered the shop and assisted the elderly man in emptying the contents of the safe.

They escaped with a substantial sum of coins, cash and jewellery and made off on foot.

The main offender is described as a white man, in his sixties and 6ft tall.  He wore a brown trilby style hat, brown suit jacket, black trousers and leather gloves. The second man was in his thirties and wore a blue hooded jacket.

DS Graham McMillan, investigating, is keen to speak to anyone who saw the well-dressed man hanging around the store before the robbery or recalls seeing anything suspicious in the High Street area, such as an unfamiliar vehicle.

DS McMillan said: "Although no-one was hurt this was an extremely frightening experience for the owner, who did exactly the right thing by complying with the offenders.

"I am keen to speak to an elderly lady who approached the shop and was refused entry by the offender. The lady was wearing a red cardigan or jacket and pushing a shopping trolley.  She may not have realised what was happening at the time."

He added: "It is very likely the offenders will now try to sell this property on and we would urge any dealers or anyone in the trade to contact us if they are offered property they believe is stolen."

Anyone with information can contact DS McMillan, in confidence, on 01234 842637, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or text to 07786 200011.