Smash-and-grab gang raid Birkenhead jewellers

Jun 17 2009 by Helen Hunt, Wallasey News

DETECTIVES are hunting a smash-and-grab gang which struck at a Birkenhead jewellers.

The thieves struck at Pykes The Jewellers in Grange Road, Birkenhead, shortly before 10am last Thursday.

The men were seen breaking into a display window at the front of the store by several people who called the police.

Shop workers were doing a stock check yesterday to see if anything was taken.

The men had their faces covered and were wearing grey clothing. They left the scene in a dark-coloured car in the direction of Borough Road.

Residents later saw what they believe was a getaway car dumped and set alight in Olive Crescent, Tranmere.

Officers said they were unable to confirm it was the vehicle involved.

But they did say they were investigating the possibility the thieves may have switched cars at some point.

One Olive Crescent resident said they saw four or five men strip off their clothing and throw it inside the car before pouring petrol on the vehicle and putting a match to it.

Shopkeepers around Pykes saw a black car park alongside the Hallmark card shop and screech away when the burglars left.

One said: “There were men in overalls and from people I have spoken to who saw more, they did not seem to have masks on.

“Another said one had a hammer which had an axe head on one side.”

No-one was hurt during the raid and no threats were made to staff, which is why officers are treating the crime as burglary.

Call Birkenhead CID on 0151-777 2265 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.