Have-a-go hero swerves car to thwart robbers (From Surrey Comet)

Have-a-go hero swerves car to thwart robbers in Cobham High Street

5:23pm Tuesday 15th January 2013 in News

A quick-thinking driver foiled a group of robbers’ attempt to steal from a Cobham jewellers by swerving his car on to the pavement outside the store.

Four men dressed in balaclavas and white boiler suits attempted to smash the windows of Harpers Limited, Cobham High Street at about 11am on Tuesday, but the bravery from the Rover driver stopped them from getting away with anything.

Two of the men were carrying rucksacks while the other two used weapons to try to smash the windows.

A witness said the robbers did not get in the window, which was protected with security glass, before they fled the scene.

He said: “A man in a Rover saw what was going on and manoeuvred his car on to the pavement to stop the robbers from getting away with anything.”

The robbers escaped the scene in a black VW Golf, believed to be stolen, which was later found burned out at the entrance to Farmland Close to Downside Bridge Road on the outskirts of Cobham.

The group are believed to have used a different vehicle to get to the scene, with a witness stating they had parked their arrival vehicle a short distance away from the jewellers in Hollyhedge Road.

Painshill fire station confirmed firefighters were called to Downside Bridge Road at 11.08am on Tuesday, January 15, to put out a vehicle fire linked to the attempted smash and grab at the jewellers.

Detectives are appealing for information following the incident.

Detective Constable Caroline Millar, from Staines CID, said: “This offence took place in a busy area in broad daylight and clearly there was a degree of planning involved. However the group were thwarted in their plans and left empty handed.

“We are following a number of lines of investigation to trace those responsible and I am keen to hear from anyone who has information relating to this incident to come forward.”

Gordon Marks and Jewel’s, also in Cobham High Street, have also been targeted by robbers several times in the past four years.

Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference number EL/13/325 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.