Police hunt thieves after £35,000 raid at Fife jewellers

The robbers broke into Fennes Jewellery in Glenrothes in the early hours of Saturday morning, making off with a horde of valuables and a three-figure sum of cash Tens of thousands of pounds worth of rings, pendants, chains, earrings, bangles, bracelets were knicked from Jo-Ann Kinnear’s shop.

A three-figure sum of cash and over £35,000 worth of rings, pendants and chains, earrings and bangles/bracelets were stolen.

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The haul included a pair of Celtic stud earrings worth £145 to an 18ct white gold diamond bubble ring worth £3,700.

Jo-Ann, who has only been open for business in the town for eight months, was shocked to hear that her store had been broken into.

The businesswoman was alerted to the break-in at 2.20am after she was woken up by a call from her alarm company.

She said: “I got an alert call at 2.19am from the alarm company to say mine had gone off, then I checked the camera and saw there were people in the shop.

“I could do nothing but turn up in the morning and see the damage they’d done.

“I’ve only been open eight months but been in the jewellery trade for many years.

“I’ve experienced this sort of thing before but it’s different when it’s personal.

“It just makes you angry.”

A shocked Jo-Ann said the thieves made off with her safe despite it being bolted down.

She said: “I don’t know how they got that as it was bolted down.

“But they smashed it and took it.

“Thankfully there were no customer goods in the store at the time.”

“If anybody knows of these items or sees them that would be helpful - hopefully we’ll get them.”

Police say a dark coloured car was spotted near the shop around the time of the theft and it is believed those in the vehicle are involved.

Jo-Ann’s website states all the jewellery she stock is of “a high quality, set in silver or gold” and ranges from £15 to £4,000.

Detective Inspector Paul Dick of Fife’s CID, said: “This incident has caused significant disruption to a local business, and a thorough investigation is underway.

“As part of this, we’d ask anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour, or any motorists or taxi drivers who were travelling in the area around this time and have dashcam footage, to contact us.

“Likewise, anyone who may recognise this jewellery or have been offered it for sale since this time is urged to get in touch with us or Crimestoppers anonymously.

“If you purchase a stolen item, knowingly or otherwise, this can be seized by officers at any time meaning a financial loss for yourself.

“Always check that a seller can provide proof of ownership.”

Jo-Ann, 43, said: “I am 43-years-old but feel like 84 right now.

“I’ve been in the trade for the past 23 years but decided to open my own store eight months ago.

“This has certainly hit me but I won’t let them win.

“I will be open again this Thursday.”

In February, Jo-Ann won the Best Specialised Retailer in Fife award.

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