Machete, gun used in H&H Jewellery Elsternwick robbery
MASKED thugs pointed a gun at bystanders as they made off with $150,000 of gold and diamonds in a terrifying jewellery heist. WATCH THE VIDEO
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MASKED thugs pointed a gun at bystanders on a suburban shopping strip as they made off with gold jewellery worth $150,000 in a terrifying heist.
Three raiders — described as being of African appearance and as young as 18 — also wielded a machete and a hammer as they stormed the Elsternwick jeweller’s yesterday.
One held a pistol to the owner’s head and ordered staff to the ground, and later pointed the gun at a woman watching them run down Glen Huntly and Orrong roads to meet a getaway car.
The men left the machete on a jewellery cabinet, which police were examining for forensic evidence.
The trio remained at large last night as detectives combed CCTV footage and spoke to people who saw a change of getaway cars in Gardenvale.
H & H Jewellery owner Chris said he was in the back office when he heard a “bang”.
“I turned around and there was a gun pointed right at me,” he said. “It happened so quick, my mind was blank. We’re all shaken.”
Two female staff were ordered to lay on the ground, and shuffled under tables to shield themselves in case the gunman opened fire. There was no time to press the alarm, Chris said. The three thugs appeared to be aged 18 to 25.
While the gunman ordered Chris to open a safe, his accomplices were smashing glass cabinets and pulling gold rings from displays. “They knew what they wanted, they went for the good stuff,” Chris said.
When the gunman realised the safe held nothing of great value, they all fled.
A woman who saw the raid pulled out her phone and chased the men as they ran down Glen Huntly Rd and into Orrong Rd and headed for a waiting sedan without numberplates. The gunman pointed his weapon at her before the gang drove off.
Police believe they drove to Gardenia Rd in Gardenvale where at least one raider got into a black Ford Territory.
Chris said it was the second raid in the 16 years he has owned the business.
Six years ago, he confronted a robber as he fled and the man was arrested. This time, he decided it would be safer for him and his staff if he complied.
“If we do something funny, they’ve got a gun pointed out you — it’s your life,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.