Thieves used a hammer to smash a glass cabinet containing jewellery in a robbery at a pawn shop in Watford.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said the two thieves went into Cash and Cheque Express in St Albans Road yesterday lunchtime and smashed the cabinet before taking jewellery.

The criminals made their getaway in a red Volkswagen Passat.

The vehicle was then later discovered at the Plough roundabout in Two Waters Road, Hemel Hempstead.

No-one was injured during the robbery.

Detective Sergeant Jo Goodson is investigating and said: “Firstly, I would like to thank those members of the public who have already assisted officers with our enquiries.

"However, I would appeal to anyone who was in the St Albans Road area of Watford, or between there and Apsley yesterday afternoon and saw what happened or saw the vehicle to contact police.”

Anyone with any information about what happened should call the Watford Local Crime Unit via the Herts Police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number C4/15/634. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

• Three men, aged, 23,23 and 59 have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in police custody.

• All three men are from Borehamwood.