A GWENT pawnbroker is offering a reward after thieves stole more than £2,500 worth of jewellery from his premises.

The theft happened at N & N Pawnbrokers in Baneswell Road, Newport, on Sunday night.

Shocked staff at the shop arrived yesterday to discover its windows had been damaged and valuables, including six diamond rings, several gold chain bracelets and gold chains, had been taken.

Gwent Police are investigating the theft and the shop's co-owner, Nigel Richards, (pictured) is offering a reward to anyone who provides information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

Although the reward figure has yet to be set, Mr Richards said it would be "several hundreds of pounds".

Mr Richard fears the goods taken have already been sold on. "I am putting up a reward to catch whoever was responsible.

"This has come as a great shock, I cannot believe they have got in as this is a highly secured premises.

"It does look like a sophisticated outfit as they have somehow managed to cut through the iron bars and mesh on the windows and deliberately targeted a certain section of the shop as they have only taken the valuable stuff.

"They have taken over £2,500 worth of jewellery and when you add the damage caused they have cost us £2,800. But thankfully we are insured.

"We did manage to open as normal on Monday and the window has been boarded up." He appealed for anyone with information to contact the police.

PC Martin Crockett, based at Newport central, said: "This offence happened on a busy main road and somebody must have seen something." He appealed for anyone with information to get in touch. Newport police are on 01633 244999.