A gang of thieves escaped with £10,000 of jewellery from a city centre shop after distracting the store manager.

The trio of villains were captured on CCTV, pilfering a box full of men’s jewellery from the pawn and gems shop.

Shop boss Tim Hogarth said it was the second similar raid on the store in Kirkgate, Bradford, in four weeks.

Mr Hogarth said store manager Gary Woollard was in the shop window, getting ready to close, and was packing away jewellery in a box to place in a safe when three eastern European men walked in and asked to look at some items.

Mr Hogarth said: “Gary told the men he had packed everything away. He went behind the counter and two of the men pushed forward and distracted him. It was sly.

“They left the shop and walked to a silver BMW estate. After they had gone we discovered the box was missing, containing £10,000 of jewellery, including watches, gold and diamond rings and a large cross on a gold chain. When we looked at the CCTV later, we could see how one of the men sneaks behind Gary’s back, takes the box from the steps and hides it behind his back.

“We had a similar incident four weeks ago when three eastern Europeans took two gold chains from under a box. It was like something from a TV magic show.”

Mr Hogarth is urging anyone with information, or who saw the BMW car used by the thieves, to come forward.

Police said they were called at 5.05pm on Saturday, October 22, to reports of the burglary at the pawnbrokers in Kirkgate, Bradford.

A spokesman said three men entered the premises and inquired about items on display, before a box containing thousands of pounds worth of jewellery was removed.

The spokesman said it was believed the suspects made off in a silver BMW towards Westgate.

“CCTV inquiries are ongoing to ascertain the identities of those responsible.

“Any witnesses, or anyone with any information, is asked to contact Bradford South Police, on 0845 6060606, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.”