THIEVES smashed their way into a Pandora shop in Bournemouth town centre and made off with thousands of pounds worth of jewellery in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

At around 4.30am police were notified of a break-in at the shop on Old Christchurch Road.

Staff at the store said a “significant amount” of jewellery, mostly the brand’s iconic bracelets and charms, were stolen.

Store manager Sarah Hayes said: “They smashed through the front door.

“The alarm went off and alerted a member of the public who called the police.

“We don’t know how much has been taken yet but it’s a significant amount. It’s mostly the bracelets and charms.”

Staff members found a hammer inside the store which is believed to have been used to smash through the door.

This is the second time the company has been targeted by thieves in Bournemouth.

In July 2012, thousands of pounds of stock was stolen from Pandora’s previous shop on Old Christchurch Road.

Miss Hayes said staff were shocked and saddened to hear of the break-in.

She said: “We take quite a lot of pride in this store and work really hard to keep it looking beautiful. When something like this happens it’s really upsetting.”

Crime scene investigators were at the store gathering evidence yesterday morning.

A spokesman from Dorset police said officers are looking over CCTV footage from the area.

The shop was closed yesterday but staff hope to be open by the weekend. 

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the break-in to call Dorset Police on 101 quoting crime reference 08:37.