VIDEO: ‘Chainsaw’ attack on Bridlington jewellers

The incident saw around £400,000 worth of stock stolen after a ‘chainsaw’ was used to cut out a section of the shop window.

The pictures show two men using tools to slice a rectangle out of the display window at Griffin Jewellers on Prospect Street, before reaching inside to grab the merchandise.

The raid took little more than a minute to carry out and allegedly saw three men riding motorbikes carry out the heist.

One eye witness, Dave Sims, who owns Cosy Times Yankee Candle Shop on Bridge Street, said: “I was driving past Griffins and I could see a man with a chainsaw cutting the window.

“I thought to myself at first that’s maybe that’s just how they are replacing the glass – then I thought about it some more.

“When I picked my wife up I drove back around and could see they had just cut out a shape in the window.

“It’s just ridiculous that something like this could happen in Bridlington.

“There are not enough police on the street except for community support officers.”

Now, the owner of Griffin Jewellers David White, says the shop has revamped security measures to prevent such an incident happening again.

He said: “I was so impressed with the local support on the day.

“One man even grabbed the rear of a motorbike to prevent the men getting away, but had to let go after he was threatened.

“It really was above and beyond, they even gathered around all the rings on the ground to stop people taking them.

“Myself and the staff at Griffin Jewellers would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the people of Bridlington who have offered their support following our recent robbery.

“We have been in-undated with well-wishers.

“In these most difficult of circumstances it has encouraged us all to move forwards from this harrowing event and to carry on offering the same exceptional service for the townsfolk and visitors.

“We are proud to announce, with the busy Christmas period on the horizon that we have managed to restock and add to our already fabulous range of jewellery, watches, gifts and curios.”

Customers at a nearby pub are also said to have given chase to the three perpetrators following the incident which unfolded on Monday 10 November.

In light of the highly organised burglary, staff at another Bridlington jewellers have carried out a review into their security management.

Mark Hall, director at Hallmarks jewellers on Chapel Street said burglaries are always something to be aware of in the jewellery trade.

He said: “It’s always something at the back of your mind and there is only so much you can prepare for.

“It puts everyone on the back fence because obviously we don’t want anyone to be hurt.

“We have carried out a security review and will continue to implement the measures we utilise - you have to minimise the threat to staff, but I think there is difficulty in that if someone is determined to rob you, they will rob you.

“We don’t think that it was anyone local because it sounds like it was organised crime, and we feel sorry for the staff.”

Mr White of Griffin Jewellers added:“May we offer our best wishes for the festive season and thanks for your continued custom by wishing you all a very happy Christmas and prosperous new year.”

A spokesperson for Humberside Police said: “Investigations are still ongoing.

“If anyone has information and has not yet come forward, please contact Humberside Police on the non emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number 2079833.”