February 16, 2001 9:43: ANGRY jeweller Tim Platten is prepared to hire a security guard for his small shop to keep rising insurance costs down.

Mr Platten, owner of the The Jewellery Workshop, Old Amersham, claims his insurance costs have tripled since a robber bolted from his shop with a £12,500 diamond ring.

He said: "The cost has gone up from about £200 a month to £600. I think it's disgusting. This is what happens with crime in this country. I have been the victim of a robbery but it is me that ends up being penalised for it. It's just ridiculous."

The ring was stolen last month by a young man after he told Mr Platten his girlfriend liked the look of it in the window.

The High Street shop is already protected by an electrically operated door which is controlled from the inside the shop.

But Mr Platten, who was threatened with a knife during the robbery, believes he needs more protection.

He said: "I might have to put a security guard out the front because I'm not prepared to take the risk of something like this happening again."

Mr Platten, 33, moved from his native South Africa to escape violence and crime but since he set up business in England he has been the target of robbers three times.

Police are still investigating the robbery and want to hear from anybody who saw a blue sports car parked at Ashgrove picnic area, off the A413 at Amersham, on the afternoon of January 26.

The offender and two accomplices escaped with the ring in a red Metro. It is possible they swapped cars at the picnic centre.

Anyone with information should call DC Rob Williams at Amersham CID on (01494) 465888