Smash and Grab Raid at H. Samuel Jewellers in Staines

Staff at The Elmsleigh Centre were in for a shock when they arrived at work Sunday morning and discovered the jewellery shop H. Samuel had been broken in to. Police arrived at the scene to begin the investigation and following the work of forensics, shop staff began to clear up the broken glass and temporary boards were put in place. Shoppers on Sunday found the area cordoned off with police tape and repair work ongoing.

Today police have appealed for any witnesses or anyone with any information to come forward. 

The raid took place at around 5.40am on Sunday morning (22nd January) when a group of men approached the H. Samuel store in the Elmsleigh Centre, off Staines High Street.

The men forced entry to the shop by smashing a window at the front of the store, which was faces on to the High Street.

Once inside, several glass cabinets were smashed and the offenders stole a selection of jewellery, believed to be worth several thousand pounds.

Afterwards the suspects made off on foot towards Staines Bridge.

The men all wore dark clothing and had their faces covered. One of the group was riding a pedal cycle at the time of the incident.

Officers, including forensic teams, were at the scene in Staines throughout the day gathering evidence and the shop was cordoned off while the investigation took place.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the burglary or who may have witnessed the incident to come forward if they have not already done so.

Detective Constable Brett Harris, of Staines CID, said: "This was clearly a planned burglary carried out in the early hours of the morning. We are gathering evidence and reviewing CCTV but I would also urge anyone with information or anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour in or around the location in the days prior to the incident to contact police immediately.

"This is a serious offence which affects the town centre community in Staines and we are doing everything possible to identify those responsible."

Police are carrying out a thorough and extensive investigation into the incident and anyone with any information should call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference SL/12/510, or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Call 101 for all non-emergency policing matters.

Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).

Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.