The boss of Deacon & Sons – the Marlborough High Street jeweller targeted by robbers earlier today – has praised the actions of his business community neighbours during and after the raid.
Speaking outside his shop, where staff armed with broom and dustpans were conducting a clear-up operation, managing director Richard Deacon said: “The most important thing was the no-one was hurt.
“I’ve been very touched by the concern of members of the public, and the staff of shops and offices nearby, who alerted the police and offered their assistance.
“Without their vigilance it is possible that the suspects would not have been caught.”
One of those workers was Pip Harvard Taylor who, along with fellow staff at Carter Jonas estate agent – located across the road from the jewellery store – telephoned the police and noted the registration number of a car that sped from the scene.
She told Marlborough News Online: “I was in the office, and looked up to see two masked men in balaclavas and hoodies running and carrying bags.
“They jumped into a Citroen Picasso and sped away in the direction of the town hall, with the doors open.
“I took a note of the registration plate while colleagues called the police. They were on the scene in minutes.
“Meanwhile we all rushed over to the shop to make sure everyone was okay, and to see what we could do to help.
“It’s a real shock – not something you expect to happen in Marlborough High Street.”
Another businessman, who did not want to be identified, said: “It was very shocking – like something from a heist movie. There was a lot of shouting, tyres screeching, the lot.
“You have to ask whether they came to Marlborough because there is no CCTV.”
Mr Deacon said he hoped the jewellery store would reopen to customers on Friday.
