FOOTAGE of a brazen jewellery heist at a store in Bournemouth town centre has been caught on camera.
Police have released CCTV footage of what appears to be a well-planned theft from Warren James Jewellers in Commercial Road.
The shop assistant was left stunned when a customer she had been helping for some time bolted from the store with a £5,000 engagement ring.
Despite attempting to follow him from the store she returned minutes later empty handed.
Police are now appealing for anyone with information who can help their investigation to come forward.
PC Joel Brooks, from Bournemouth police, said the video showed a theft that had been well planned.
In the footage the suspect waits patiently to be seen before keeping the shop assistant’s attention for almost 20 minutes between 2.10pm and 2.30pm on Wednesday, October 28.
Upon entering the store he peruses the small store looking in the various cabinets until one of the employees offers to help him.
Eventually he takes an interest in an 18ct yellow gold solitaire one carat diamond ring. The assistant removes it from the case and then moves to the front of the counter to show the suspect the ring up close.
The suspect then spends quite a bit of time inspecting the ring, even using a loupe magnifying glass to check out the finer details.
Finally he tells the assistant he wants to put down a deposit and she goes back behind the counter and starts to put through the sale.
At this moment he asks to take one more look and after a quick glance towards the door he allegedly runs off with the ring still on his finger.
“It was a brazen theft which has left the employee devastated,” said PC Brooks. “I am appealing to anyone who recognises this man to please call Dorset Police on 101.
“I am also keen to hear from anyone who has been offered a similar ring for sale to please contact me.”
The suspect is described as a black male and was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and jeans.
If you have any information on the incident you should call police on 101 and ask for PC Joel Brooks.
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