Market Cross Jewellers staff ‘shaken’ after ‘robbery’

Police were called to Market Cross Jewellers on Saturday (March 14) after a man smashed the front window of the Westgate store with a hammer.

The suspect then took handfuls of jewellery and fled the scene – but not before brave members of the public gave chase and managed to detain him before police arrived. 

Cleveland Police confirmed a 29‑year‑old man had been arrested on suspicion of robbery and was taken into police custody.

Market Cross, which has been based in the town since 1980, has since issued a statement thanking those who helped. 

It said: “We are sending out a huge, heartfelt thank you to the people of Guisborough who  helped to apprehend the [suspect] who smashed the diamond window, threatened a member of staff and made away with quite a lot of stock from our Guisborough store. 

“The town of Guisborough was where we opened our first store in 1980. 

“We couldn’t afford to be on the High Street at the time and opened in a small shop situated behind the town’s Market Cross and called ourselves Market Cross Jewellers so that people would know where to find us.

“We have since moved to a better position but have remained a part of the Guisborough community for over 40 years. 

“We are often serving the children and grandchildren of our original customers.

“We are so grateful to all those who took chase and apprehended the man and recovered stolen goods. We are also grateful for all the lovely messages that we have received asking about how the staff are.

“The four ladies who were working at the time had been so happy after a lovely, busy day serving customers with Mother’s Day gifts and this incident left them extremely shaken and upset: it was quite terrifying for them, as you can imagine.  

“All your messages will be passed on to them. Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the help and support: It really does mean the world to us.”

Temporary Detective Sergeant Brayfield of Redcar CID said: “I’d like to thank the public‑spirited people who bravely chased and held onto the suspect until we arrived at the scene.

“I’m appealing for anyone who witnessed today’s incident, or anyone with dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV footage, to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference SE26048090.