THIEVES smashed their way into a jewellery shop in Petts Wood in the early hours of this morning (July 29).

Staff at Robert James Jewellers say CCTV footage show two men repeatedly attacking the reinforced glass of their shop with a sledgehammer at around 2.50am.

Owner and jeweller Robert Whitehead said the pair fled with two watches worth around £170 before police arrived.

He added: “They must have been young or stupid because we never keep anything of great value in the windows overnight.

“The terms of our insurance means we are not allowed.”

Mr Whitehead admitted the cost of repairs could run into thousands of pounds.

“We can’t open at all today until we can make the shop secure again. Today will be a complete loss but we will definitely open tomorrow,” the 52-year-old said.

"A friendly neighbour over the road was woken up by the men and was shouting at them.

"They didn't pay any attention though and just carried on with what they were doing.

“I hope this proves to people that we don’t keep anything valuable in the window after we close."

It is thought the men cut through the padlocks of the main security shutters before smashing the glass.

Staff at the same jewellers in Queensway were held at gunpoint during an armed robbery three years ago.