POLICE have warned jewellers to be vigilant after the town's H Samuel Ltd store was hit by a sophisticated shoplifter.
The man walked into the shop on Thursday afternoon and asked specifically to see a gold ring with a one carat diamond.
When the sales assistant removed it from a display the man also asked for a special jeweller's magnifying glass. Eventually he walked out without buying the ring and it was only later staff realised he had done a switch and replaced the valuable ring - worth £2,250 - with a cheap imitation.
The man is described as being Afro-Caribbean in appearance, aged between 25 and 35, with black hair and sideburns, and wearing a light blue jacket.
He was also wearing jeans, suede shoes and a baseball cap. Anyone with information about this man is asked to contact Andover police station on 0845 045 4545.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article