Beaconsfield jewellery store owner speaks out after watch raid

The gang forced their way into Elite HNW jewellers and threatened staff before leaving down Burkes Road in a grey Audi, with an estimated 15 high-end watches on Tuesday (March 8).

The break-in happened just after the family-run business opened at 10am, leaving the shop owner in absolute “shock”.

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Footage shows the robbers throw a fire hydrant cover through the door before raiding the shop.

One of the masked thieves held a baseball bat, another had a large knife whilst the third used a hammer to smash through the glass casing in the store.

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Among the stolen watches were three unique and discontinued Rolex models which had values of up £40,000 each.

Elite HNW was raided on Tuesday (March 8)

Shop owner Max Thorne, 54, said: “It was shocking, no one expects that.

“They came in and were very violent and rude to us, with lots of screaming and shouting.

“It wasn’t a very pleasant experience and obviously extremely traumatic.

“The staff were all fantastic, they did what they told which was not to risk themselves and get out of the back.

“I tried to approach them and when I saw the meat cleaver I decided to step back and shout at them, but I wasn’t going to try and intervene.”

They broke in just after opening

The store only opened last November but Max said the local community has been “fantastic”.

He said: “We have had so many notes of support which is a lovely thing from the community.

“It is a great shame because we are trying to bring something nice to Beaconsfield.

“We only opened in November and we have had tremendous support from the local community.

“When you get that kind of thing happen it’s not nice.

“We are not deterred and we are not going to be defined by those sorts of people.

“We are working with police to add extra security, we actually exceeded what was originally required but we are going to extend that further.

“It’s a great shame as we were trying to offer a very comfortable shopping experience, a bit indulgent but quite relaxed, but we are going to have to be more diligent now with entry into the shop.“It just goes to show you never know what to expect and you need to be prepared.”

The store after the robbery

Max also praised the response from the police and has urged anyone with information to come forward.

He continued: “The police were fantastic, we are very grateful for what they have done.

“Anyone willing can call in anonymously and help Beaconsfield by getting these people off the streets as soon as possible.”

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Mark Banham, based at Amersham police station said: “We are appealing for witnesses at two places in relation to this incident. Firstly, at the jewellery store and then also anyone that witnessed the offenders discarding the jewellery at the bus stop a short time later.”

“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone that has dash-cam footage from Burkes Road and was in the area between 10.15am and 10.30am today.

“If you have any information please call 101 or make a report online quoting reference number 43220102266.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”