6:19pm Wednesday 8th September 2010
By Sam Chadderton
DIAMOND rings worth £20,000 were stolen during a midday theft from a town centre jewellers today.
Two conmen, described as a ‘father and son’ team by shaken staff, struck at Chris Shan jewellers in Ainsworth Street, Blackburn around noon.
Manager Mrs Kang said that the ‘smartly-dressed’ men had a look around the shop pretending to be potential customers, before grabbing a £16,500 solitaire diamond ring and a £3,000 diamond ring from inside the shop.
She said: “They looked like a father and son, dressed in smart suits with ties and looking professional. We were taken off guard.
“They looked at the cheaper stuff first and pretended to catch a glance of an expensive pendant.
“It’s such a terrible loss.
“We have recently opened another store in The Mall and are trying to establish ourselves.
“It is not the member of staff’s fault, she’s so vigilant. It could have happened to anyone.”
Police confirmed that they were investigating a report of a high-value theft from the town centre jewellers.
They appealed for any witnesses to come forward or anyone who is offered the expensive rings to contact 0845 1 253545.
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