A THIEF who raided a Shaftesbury business earlier this month escaped with thousands of pounds of jewellery.

The pieces – as well as a number of antiques – were taken in an early hours burglary on December 6.

Police have not confirmed the name of the business at the request of the owner.

However, Detective Constable Nick Bailey has released a CCTV image and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

The shop was burgled at around 3.30am, with a “substantial” amount of items stolen, including a ruby and diamond bow brooch, white gold 18-carat diamond ring, Victorian carved coral brooch and matching earrings in a box, and nine-carat gold cup with The Hennessy Gold Cup 1960 inscribed on it.

A CCTV image of a man officers would like to speak to in connection with the incident, right, has been released, and anyone with information can contact DC Bailey on 101.