In a brazen daylight robbery, two helmet-clad men armed with a chainsaw and a machete were caught on camera smashing their way into a high street jewellers to steal a haul of gems. The dramatic incident unfolded on the High Street in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, at approximately 11:15am on Monday.
Footage Captures Terrifying Raid
Security footage shows the two perpetrators pulling up outside Garnier Jewellers on a motorbike. One raider was seen clutching a large chainsaw, while the other brandished a machete. The machete-wielding accomplice stood guard as his partner fired up the power tool and entered the shop.
Chainsaw Used to Breach Security Glass
The chainsaw-wielding robber is then seen using the industrial tool to hack through one of the shop's protective glass windows. Once through the shattered barrier, he reached inside, grabbed jewellery, and stuffed it into a bag before calmly walking back to the waiting motorbike.
Before the pair could speed away, two people dashed out into the street from the shop in an apparent attempt to intervene and stop the robbery. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and seconds later the robbers were seen speeding away from the scene.
Police Investigation Underway
Hertfordshire Police have opened an investigation into the incident and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with footage of the robbery to come forward. A spokesperson for Garnier Jewellers confirmed they were "sadly the victim of an aggravated robbery," but emphasised that "no one was physically harmed" and that staff were "safe, just a bit shaken up by the events."
Appeal to Public
Detective Inspector Neil Watts of Hertfordshire Police stated: "We are aware that there is footage already circulating on social media of this incident and we would urge people not to share, but to send any evidential material directly to us. We would also like to hear from anyone who has not already spoken to officers to get in touch as soon as possible."
The jewellers expressed gratitude for the support received, saying: "Just wanted to say thank you to all those that tried to help and for the huge amount of messages that we received showing concern and support."
Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact Hertfordshire Police quoting incident number 41/19636/26.
