Ludlow traders lose £6,000 stock in van theft

A Shropshire couple have been forced to shut up shop for Christmas after more than 200 items of jewellery worth about £6,000 were stolen from their van.

Vicki Heath and John David, who run Realm to Realm at The Pump Room in Lower Mill Street, Ludlow, were horrified to discover items designed specifically for them from Ireland, Cornwall and India had been taken from their van during Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

Mrs Heath said she believed the thieves knew the couple and their routine, as expensive necklaces and bracelets were specifically targeted and other ornamental items ignored.

Mrs Heath said: "The most sickening thing for us is that it's obviously someone who knows us or knows our routine - they have climbed over railings, gone to the side of the van and cast aside statues to go for the jewellery.

"A lot of the items, particularly Indian necklaces and bracelets, are totally irreplaceable as they have been made with semi-precious jewels. In all 200 pieces were taken and I reckon it had a retail value of between £5,000 and £6,000.

"It is very sad to know that at this time of year, during very difficult trading times, people can resort to such crimes."

West Mercia police press officer Maria Wilkinson urged traders not to leave stock in vans overnight and added that the couple involved could have been watched by thieves for several weeks before the theft.