'Passersby pocketed watches from pavement' after hammer robbers broke into Northampton pawnbrokers
Shopkeepers in a Northampton street have been left "on edge" after robbers stole jewellery from a pawnbroker while passersby "looted" watches left on the ground.
The incident happened yesterday (Monday,March 5) at about 5pm at the town centre Money Shop in Sheep Street.
One worker at a nearby business said there were: "men armed with hammers smashing and grabbing [jewellery] before making off in a car. There were also bystanders looting the jewellery left behind."
Shop staff were still on site when the incident happened but it is understood that nobody was injured, although "high-value watches" were taken from the shop window.
Another worker, who doesn't wish to be identified, said: "I went outside for a cigarette at 5pm, I heard smashing glass, which I thought was coming from the workers across the road.
"I saw one guy, who jumped into a nearby car and sped off.
"It makes me feel on edge."
Northamptonshire Police and the Money Shop head office have been approached for further comment.