Sledgehammer-wielding thugs were rumbled after their attempts to raid a jewellers were thwarted by have-a-go heroes.
Incredible CCTV footage from the scene shows the brazen robbers raiding a jewellers for diamonds and watches in Billericay, Essex, but are left stunned when a passerby launches a wooden sign at them.
As one of the robbers tries to chase down the man throwing signs at them, a van driver mounts the kerb and rams one of the mopeds.
The yobs then begin to launch a barrage of blows against the van as he reverses, forcing them to leave Coleby’s Jewellers, a spot is popular with TOWIE stars, empty handed.
The robbers carrying sledgehammers try to smash their way into Coleby’s Jewellers
Coleby’s Jewellers declined to comment on the day-time raid.
A source close to the store said: ‘They often have the cast from TOWIE in there and other big names.
‘The raiders are the real losers here as they went through all this effort and didn’t take anything.
‘The shop are the winners as their security stood strong and I’ve heard they have even added to it after the attack.’
Lauren Vinicombe, who runs LJR Hair and Beauty which is next to the jewellers, said: ‘We do have a bit of a hero here but I don’t really want to talk about what happened, I want to put it behind us.’
The shop sells high-end items including a £40,000 watch and a £35,000 diamond ring.
Essex Police is appealing for witnesses in the wake of last Wednesday’s attack and have arrested and charged two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
They use one of the bikes to wedge open the door but have wooden signs thrown at them
Coleby’s Jewellers in Billericay, Essex was targeted by the raid
Officers are still hunting two other suspects.
A police spokesman said: ‘Two 17 year-old boys, who can’t be named for legal reasons, are due to appear at Basildon Crown Court on March 6, in connection with an aggravated burglary at a jewellers in High Street, Billericay on January 31.
‘A 17-year-old boy from Billericay, who has been charged with aggravated burglary and a 17-year-old boy from Romford, who has been charged with criminal damage, aggravated burglary and threatening a person with an offensive weapon, will remain in custody until the court date.
‘Two suspects remain outstanding.’
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