Spectacular £250,000 Burglary at WANTS Jewellers in Plymouth: Police Release CCTV of Masked Suspect

Detectives from Plymouth's Priority Crime Investigation Team are investigating a highly sophisticated, high-value burglary that targeted the WANTS Jewellers store on Armada Way. The heist, which occurred on Thursday, February 13, 2025, has resulted in an estimated loss of between £220,000 and £240,000 in stolen high-end jewellery and watches.

The Modus Operandi

According to Devon and Cornwall Police, the perpetrator gained access to the jewellers by breaking into a vacant commercial property next door—formerly occupied by Barista Brothers. Investigations indicate that the suspect had managed to infiltrate the empty premises as early as February 5, utilizing the space to prepare for the final break-in. On the evening of February 13, between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM, the masked and hooded suspect breached the wall dividing the two properties, entered WANTS Jewellers, and stole a massive quantity of valuable merchandise.

After fleeing the scene via the roof of the vacant property and onto Cornwall Street, the suspect made off on foot carrying a rucksack. In a brazen move, the thief returned to the shop at around 10:00 PM the same night to steal additional stock.

Police Appeal and CCTV Stills

CCTV footage has tracked the suspect in the Cornwall Street, Armada Way, and Mutley Plain areas in the early evening hours of February 5, 6, 8, 9, and 12. Investigators believe the suspect may be of Eastern European origin and could have been staying in local short-term rented accommodation, such as an Airbnb.

Detective Sergeant Paula Tucker, who is leading the investigation, stated: "The investigation team is following a number of lines of enquiry and we are now releasing new images of a man we would like to locate and speak to. We are releasing them in the hope that it may jog someone's memory, particularly in relation to the clothing worn by the man pictured."

Anyone who has information regarding the incident, recognizes the suspect, or has been offered high-value jewellery under suspicious circumstances is urged to contact police by calling 101 or via the official website, quoting crime reference 50250038839. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted via Crimestoppers.