A gang of travellers preying on Essex shopkeepers has struck in Chelmsford stealing £3,000 of Asian jewellery.
Described as "Eastern European" and in "traditional, Romany gipsy dress," the gang of about eight burst into Reena News in Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford, and distracted the shopkeeper and his family on Monday.
Police have re-issued a warning to shopkeepers who live above their premises to watch out for the gang, which they believe has stolen £18,000 worth of belongings from shopkeepers across Essex.
The gang of six women and two men distracted the shopkeeper, his wife and their 19-year-old daughter, then a one of them slipped behind the counter and upstairs to an upstairs flat and stole the jewellery.
Police are trying to trace a silver Vauxhall Carlton estate car, registration F123 PTF, which the gang made off in.
Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
Published Friday, March 15, 2002
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