Reward for "smash and grab" thieves (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Reward for "smash and grab" thieves

A jewellery designer is offering a reward for anyone who can help police find the thieves who mounted a "smash and grab" raid on her new shop and studio in Malmesbury on Monday night.

Undine Maskew had opened her new premises just off the Market Cross just before Christmas and the break-in occurred while she was visiting family and friends in South Africa.

Her friend Lise Nielsen, who has been looking after the shop in her absence, arrived on Tuesday morning at 8.50 am to find the front boarded up and broken glass inside all over the display area and floor.

"My heart sank when I saw the mess and realised what had happened," said Ms Nielsen, who lives in Malmesbury. "I contacted Undine to let her know what happened, and she wants to offer a reward for any information leading to the arrest of the culprits. We are appealing for anyone who may be able to help the police to come forward."

After a police officer visited to investigate the break-in, Ms Nielson then set about establishing what had been taken.

She found that two solid silver necklaces, with charms and murano glass hearts, were missing together with a silver charm bracelet, some earrings and other smaller items.

All the jewellery sold at the premises is hand-made on site.

Ms Maskew returns home next week, and the shop remains open as normal. She qualified as a goldsmith after a five-year apprenticeship in South Africa.

Since moving to the UK in 1993, Ms Maskew worked with leading costume jewellery designers and manufacturers before setting up her own business.

Anyone with any information about the break-in should contact Malmesbury police.