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Bold burglary attempt on White's Jewellers in Tenterden

A brazen burglar made several failed attempts to break into White’s Jewellers in the High Street.

The would-be thief tried using a power drill to break the left side window of the shopfront before calmly walking away and returning with a crowbar to try and smash the glass.

The raid on the shop – at about 10.15pm on Monday – came just weeks after the nearby Re Memories antiques store in Tenterden town centre was burgled and nearly £50,000 worth of stock was stolen.

The attempted burglary at White's Jewellers caused damage to the shop front
The attempted burglary at White's Jewellers caused damage to the shop front

Geoff Mason, the owner of White’s Jewellers said: “I got a phone call saying that our alarm had been triggered so when we arrived the police were already here.

“I just can’t believe how blatant it was. We’re right on the high street and the Italian restaurant opposite us was open so somebody could have heard or seen something.”

Mr Mason, who took over the store in December last year, said: “We’ve spent time getting the shop, and especially the windows and display, to look the exact way we want it to.

“The people of Tenterden love our windows. We get so many comments about them because of the way we have them looking and the pieces we use – they’re our pride.

The shop is owned by Geoff Mason.
The shop is owned by Geoff Mason.

“But it could have been a lot worse.

“We may possibly need a new shopfront now so we do apologise for the boarding but I want to assure people that we are open as normal and we will be keeping our displays up to our usual standard.

“If anyone was around at this time or saw this man around our shop please call Kent Police or contact us.”

The would-be burglar is described as a white man, of stocky build, who was wearing a flat cap and was aged between 55 and 65.

Police are examining CCTV images of the incident.

The would-be burglar attempted to smash the window
The would-be burglar attempted to smash the window

A police spokeswoman said: "Police are investigating a report of an attempted burglary at commercial premises in High Street, Tenterden.

"Officers received a call at 10.27pm on Monday October 30, and attended the scene to carry out enquiries.

"No items were reported stolen."

Anyone with information can contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting crime reference number 30-1409.

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