Historic Arcade Targeted in Daring Early Morning Raid
A ruthless criminal gang executed a meticulously planned jewellery heist in Bognor Regis, using a stolen Range Rover to tear security gates from their fittings before escaping with £40,000 worth of gold and silver. The brazen attack occurred at 2:15am last Tuesday at Clayden & Co Jewellers, located within the historic Arcade, transforming the longstanding family business into what owner Roger Claydon described as a "wreckage-strewn crime scene."
Four Minutes of Chaos Caught on CCTV
Disturbing security footage captured the gang's slick operation, which unfolded with alarming precision over just four minutes. The stolen 4x4 vehicle slowly entered the shopping arcade before two figures emerged, attaching a rope to the car's rear and fastening the other end to the shop's steel security grille.
The Range Rover then accelerated sharply, ripping the entire front security barrier from its fittings with such violent force that it shattered the windows of the neighbouring business. Once access was gained, the burglars systematically smashed through display cabinets, grabbing armfuls of gold and silver jewellery along with expensive watches and all cash from the register.
Shop Owner's 33-Year Legacy Damaged
Roger Claydon, who has operated the jewellery shop for more than three decades, told the Daily Mail: "The main shop window had been ripped away from the grille I've had for 33 years - never had a problem with it before. The whole thing had been pulled out like a concertina or piece of modern art."
He described the scene inside as comprehensively devastated: "Every cabinet had been smashed - five panes of glass in a row - plus the chimney cabinet. Everything had been emptied." The experienced jeweller is adamant that this was the work of a professional, organised gang who knew exactly what they were doing.
The thieves made off with approximately £40,000 worth of stock, including gold chains, earrings, watches, along with a small amount of cash from the till. Claydon expressed little hope of recovering the stolen items, noting: "In my experience, once jewellery is stolen, it disappears quickly. There are plenty of people willing to buy second-hand or brand-new gold, no questions asked."
Community Security Overhaul and Investigation
The incident has prompted significant security changes throughout the arcade. The local council is now implementing night-time security guards from 7pm to 7am while new security grilles are manufactured - a process expected to take weeks with each grille costing approximately £10,000. Authorities are even considering installing bollards at the arcade entrances to prevent future vehicle access.
One potential breakthrough in the investigation emerged after a pool of blood was discovered at the scene, suggesting one of the thieves may have injured themselves during the raid. The blood has been sent for forensic testing.
Claydon is taking his own security measures, installing a new, stronger grille that drops straight down to prevent similar rope attacks, and keeping less gold in the shop overnight. He lamented the impact on the community, noting that the shop helps fund a classical concert series he runs in the area.
Sussex Police confirmed: "Two men are believed to have forced entry into the premises and activated an intruder alarm inside a jewellery shop. Items worth thousands of pounds were stolen before the suspects left the area." Police are urging anyone with information to report online quoting serial 71 of 11/11.
