Rogues Gallery

Letter from Lincolnshire Police A Side View Entering the Showroom Checking the Showroom Avoiding Eye Contact? The Stolen Ring

Overview

Hall of Shame
This page is part of the "hall of shame" section where we name and shame people with less than total integrity - or in this case - no integrity whatsoever.

Update - February 2013
We can now reveal that David Stephenson was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court to 3 years in prison for thefts at 7 businesses, consecutive to sentences for other crimes equalling a total of 5 years and 3 months. He admitted to several thefts across the country including a £99,500 ring.

Update - November 2012
Good things come to those who wait. A male has been arrested on suspicion of this theft. We can't tell you any more at the moment but we do promise to keep you updated with any further developments as and when they happen.

Friday 2nd September
The gentleman pictured entered our showroom on the pretence of wanting to purchase a diamond ring from us. When a member of our team turned slightly he exchanged a plastic costume jewellery ring with our 4.59ct diamond ring - this was all done within two seconds - making us think he has done it several times before.

Once the exchange took place he appeared to become quite jittery and said that he could not see the ring he had been looking at from outside. Our team member then went outside with him to look at the displays through the window. Once outside the building he said he could not see it and that it no longer mattered. Our member of staff then re-entered the showroom and from the CCTV footage we now know that he then broke into a run as he left.

The Ring
This man obviously knew what he was looking for as he managed to pick a ring worth over £7,000! However, he also managed to pick a ring with an early modern brilliant cut as opposed to a modern brilliant cut - meaning that a careful knowledgeable jeweller may be able to recognise it. It is also quite large for a diamond solitaire - although the chances of it still being in the same platinum mount are now slim. Details of the diamond in the ring can be found on our product information page.

Who is he?
We do not expect this man to be local - although he did not seem to have a recognisable accent - but we could be wrong.
There was some debate in the office about whether he was perhaps drunk, had a slight speech impediment or had perhaps suffered a stroke - but this may all have been part of the act.
He was dressed quite smartly and was of large build with a beer belly, his height was approximately 5'11".

Do you recognise him?
We expect that someone, somewhere may recognise him or may even have been targeted by him before - if this is the case please do not hesitate to contact either our office using the details below or Blackpool Police on 01253 293933.

Feedback
If you remember or wish to discuss the character above, we would be extremely pleased to hear from you!