Isle of Wight Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a report of an armed robbery at a shop in Cowes.  Police were called to Benzie yachting jewellers shop in the High Street, Cowes at approximately 3.15pm on Friday, July 3, 2009.

As reported news yesterday: Detectives Investigate Armed Robbery In Cowes

Officers are investigating eyewitness reports of what appeared to be a small handgun being brandished, but not fired, by two men who were also seen carrying sledgehammers.

The suspected robbers drove away from the scene along Cowes High Street in a silver Land Rover Freelander. This car was seized by police a short time later after it was found abandoned near the entrance to Northwood House in Cowes. The Freelander had been reported stolen from an address in Rew Street, Gurnard, Cowes, Isle of Wight on Thursday, July 2.

Police are investigating witness accounts of a number of men leaving a Land Rover near the entrance to Northwood House on Friday afternoon (July 3) before driving away in another car.

This car was described as:

•  A large, older style, saloon car.
•  Registration plate with the first letter ‘W’.
• Possibly grey, silver or light green in colour.
• The car appeared to have damage to its rear, nearside wheel arch.

Detectives would like to hear from anyone with information or who has seen a vehicle matching this description.

Two windows at the front of the shop were smashed during the armed robbery. It’s estimated at least 15 watches were stolen. There were no customers inside the shop, which was not entered by the robbers. A woman working at the shop was threatened at the entrance. She was not injured.

Detective Inspector Nick Heelan of Isle of Wight CID said: 

“This was an unusual type of crime for the Isle of Wight. Extra officers and resources are committed to tracking and arresting the suspects as quickly as possible.”

 “We cannot confirm at this time whether the firearm spotted during the robbery was real or a replica. I would advise anyone who sees the suspects not to approach them directly, and call police immediately.

 “I would like to thank all those members of the public who saw the crime in progress on a busy afternoon in Cowes High Street and gave statements to officers. CCTV footage provided by Isle of Wight Council shows there are a significant number of potentially vital witnesses who we still need to come forward. I would especially like to hear from members of the public who took photographs, or filmed video, of the robbery in progress.”

Anyone who was in Cowes High Street between 3.00pm and 3.20pm on Friday afternoon (July 3) should contact Isle of Wight CID by phoning 101 or 0845 045 45 45.

Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.