Couple terrorised by gang in armed jewellery raid

Aug 17 2007 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

A diamond Rolex stolen from Wallasey _320

TENS of thousands of pounds worth of jewellery was stolen by a gang of men who broke into a house and terrorised a couple from Wirral.

The group of robbers were armed with knives and sticks and threatened the pair late in the evening until they handed over the exclusive necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

Police investigating the raid said the gang smashed a window in a conservatory at the back of the couple’s Wallasey home.

They then threatened the couple before searching the house and stealing key pieces of high-value jewellery, as well as cash and two Beretta shotguns.

A police spokeswoman said no firearms were used during the robbery although the couple were “threatened until the men got all the items they wanted”.

The gang then escaped in their victims’ Mercedes SL500 which was abandoned a short distance away.

The jewellery stolen included a Boodle Hug suite bracelet, necklet and earrings, Chopard Happy Diamond ear studs and pendant, a diamond set bar brooch and kite shaped pendant hoops.

The men also stole a Rolex watch with diamonds inset into the rim and more encrusted on the strap and watchface, a diamond Vacheron Constantin watch and a ruby and diamond necklet.

The raid happened last Tuesday at around 11.05pm.

Detective Sergeant Mark Gibson said: “This is a very unusual offence in which distinctive jewellery and firearms were stolen.

“Someone out there knows who is responsible and I would urge any person who is offered the property to contact us.”

Detectives have since conducted house-to-house enquiries in the area and uniform patrols have been increased.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Upton CID on 0151 777 2438 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

liammurphy@dailypost.co.uk