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.