'Passersby pocketed watches from pavement' after hammer robbers broke into Northampton pawnbrokers

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.