Newry jeweller issues statement following ram-raid

Cash from a till and a quantity of jewellery were stolen during the incident at McWhirter the Jeweller on Hill Street, which took place at around 4.30am.

It’s understood a silver saloon car reversed into the shutters of the shop a number of times. A man then alighted from the vehicle and has pulled back the damaged shutters and entered the shop.

Once inside he has removed cash from a till and a quantity of jewellery before fleeing in the vehicle.

Today a spokesperson for McWhirter’s posted on social media: "Hi folks, as some of you may know we were broken into last night, the most important thing was no one was hurt and they only got access to the shop floor.

"The office and repair department were safe so anyone who has left goods for repair please be assured they are safe.

"We will be closed today for forensics and hope to be back open as soon as possible."

In relation to the incident a PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are asking anyone with information regarding this crime, or anyone who may have captured footage in the area at around the time of the burglary, to please get in touch by calling 101, quoting reference 136 06/12/23.

"Information can also be provided via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”