Two men have been charged and are now due in court following what police have described as a “swift and coordinated response” to an attempted burglary at a jeweller in Weston Road, Southend-on-Sea.
Officers were called at 10.15am on Monday 16 February to reports of an ongoing incident at the Alex John Jewellers and Pawnbroker shop in Western Road in Southend city centre.
Members of the public alerted police after seeing three men attempting to smash their way into the premises in broad daylight with a selection of sledgehammers and pickaxes.
An alarm was activated and the shop’s shutters began to lower as the incident unfolded. The suspects were also disturbed by two passing Street Rangers from Southend BID.
Police say the rapid calls from the public and the intervention of the Street Rangers helped ensure nothing was stolen.
However, substantial damage was caused to the shop front as the suspects fled the scene. Further damage was also reported to two vehicles during the incident.
Suspects switched vehicles before M11 stop
According to Essex Police, the suspects were initially travelling in a car bearing false number plates. They are then believed to have abandoned that vehicle and switched to a white van.
That van was traced later the same day. Following what police described as “fast-paced investigative work” and coordination between a number of forces, officers carried out a stop on the M11 in Bedfordshire.
Two men were arrested. Following around-the-clock enquiries, charges of attempted burglary and violent disorder have been secured against:
- Leon Roper, 47, of Coventry Road, Sheldon, Birmingham.
- Nathaniel White, 39, of Roma Road, Birmingham.
Both are due to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 19 February.
“We will not tolerate incidents of this nature”
Detective Inspector Steve Franklin, of Southend CID, said:
“We will not tolerate incidents of this nature in Southend, as I hope our response shows. Anyone intent on targeting our businesses will face the full weight of all the resources we have. This includes working with partner forces across the country – meaning our reach does not end at the borders of Essex.
“We were helped substantially by street rangers and members of the public in the early stages of our investigation and this goes to show how valuable that partnership is between the police and those we serve.
“While reaching the point of charge is a significant milestone, our investigation is very much ongoing and I would continue to urge anyone with information which they think could assist us to please get in touch.”
Anyone with information can submit a report via the Essex Police website or use the online Live Chat service, available 24 hours a day. Alternatively, call 101 and quote incident 287 of 16 February.
Community reaction in Southend
The attempted burglary has prompted strong reactions from local residents, with many praising the response and the actions of those who stepped in.
Kirsty Brown said: “Well done to the car owner who tried to stop them with their own car but they won’t get any help with the damage caused!”
Rob Cross commented: “Jesus, getaway cars have gone downhill, hope they charged it.”
Clare Lee added: “I hope everybody is okay – my partner got my engagement ring from there and staff where absolutely lovely.”
The incident has raised questions about the risks faced by independent retailers and the role of public intervention during crimes in progress. While no items were stolen in this case, the financial impact of property and vehicle damage can still be significant for those involved.