Man tackled after attempted burglary at a Stearns jewellery shop in Bendigo

A man has been arrested during an attempted broad daylight jewellery heist at Bendigo Marketplace.

The Bendigo Marketplace briefly went into lockdown after an alleged would-be burglar was tackled during an attempted jewellery heist.

An alleged would-be burglar has been tackled to the ground during an attempted broad daylight jewellery heist at Bendigo Marketplace.

Police believe the man walked into a Stearns jewellery shop with a hammer and started smashing display cabinets about 3.30pm on Monday.

A bystander tackled the man to the ground and held him until police could arrive.

The man, in his 20s, was arrested and is expected to be interviewed in relation to the incident.

A Stearns staff member said an “absolute hero” ran in and tackled the crook, “cutting up his knees” on the broken glass in the process.

The Bendigo Marketplace briefly went into lockdown as the incident unfolded but was back to business as usual just after 4pm.

A crime scene was declared and police locked down the area in front of the store.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.