Thieves steal jewellery during distraction burglary in Shrewsbury

Police have appealed for anyone who might have seen a group of about six people in the area of Ellesmere Road, at the junction with Wood Street, between about 12.50pm and 1.35pm yesterday.

The group entered the shop and several of them distracted the owner by asking for various items and keeping her talking at the till.

Meanwhile, at least one member of the group has broken into the residential part of the business through a locked door and stolen cash and a large amount of Asian-style gold jewellery, much of it 22ct.

The burglary was discovered a short time after the group left and was reported to police. CCTV from the store is also being checked.

The group was made up of two men - one in his 20s and another in his 60s with a fresh cut on his left cheek - and four women - one in her 20s, one in her 40s, one in her late 30s and the other in her late 30s or early 40s.

All had dark olive skin and dark hair and spoke broken English to the shopkeeper.

Police Constable Richard Edward, who is investigating the burglary, said the group would have been distinctive and someone must have seen them in the area that afternoon.

"Ellesmere Road is a busy location and there are lots of houses nearby, so someone must have seen this group in the area," he said.

"Some of the jewellery stolen was cosmetic but a large amount was made of 22ct gold and of distinctive Asian design.

"Anyone with information is asked to please contact police on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

PC Edward also urged business to be vigilant for persons trying to distract staff.

"All shop staff should be alert to anyone who comes in and tries to distract their attention, often by asking for various items but then changing their minds several times," he said.

"In this incident, the victim was kept talking and retrieving items for the group for a significant amount of time, keeping her attention on them while the attached home was broken into.

"If you have any suspicions at all about people in your shop or business, call the police or ask them to leave."