Balaclava-clad gang target couple selling antique jewellery

A gang wearing balaclavas carried out a "distressing" attack[1] on a man and woman who were preparing to sell jewellery at an antiques fair. The attempted robbery incident happened during the early hours of the morning in Gillingham on April 11 as the couple were heading to the event. Dorset Police[2] said at around 2.30am, the man and woman - both in their 60s - were driving along Rolls Bridge Way with the jewellery when a black Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) approached them from behind.

The SUV then pulled up alongside them before the victims heard banging on their window and a voice telling them to get out of the car. After moving onto Cemetery Road, the SUV pulled in front of the couple's car and five men wearing dark clothes and balaclavas jumped out. A rear window of the victims' car was smashed before the SUV was reversed into it and fled the scene.

An appeal for witnesses has been issued by police. Detective Constable Liam Moss of Dorset County CID said: "This was understandably a very distressing incident for the victims, and we have launched a full investigation to identify those responsible. "I would urge any witnesses to please contact us, and I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have captured any relevant footage on dashcam, home CCTV or doorbell cameras."

A statement from the force added: "Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk[4] or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 52230055111.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111."

References

1. ^ attack (www.dorset.live)
2. ^ Dorset Police (www.dorset.live)
3. ^ Motorcycle rider, 17, dies in crash in Poole (www.dorset.live)
4. ^ www.dorset.police.uk (news.dorset.police.uk)