Shotgun jewel heist terror

By Kelly Yates
AN ARMED gunman robbed a jewellery store in Fountain Gate Shopping Centre last Friday, and escaped with more than $40,000 worth of gold jewellery.
Police said the man entered Amies Jewellers on Friday 8 August at 4.50pm and produced a double-barrel shotgun, according to a statement from a witness.
A spokesperson from Police Media could not confirm the exact type of firearm used.
The Caucasian man approached the counter and demanded jewellery and cash, while concealing his face with his jacket.
The retail attendants filled the man’s shopping bag with a small amount of cash and around $40,000 worth of gold jewellery, before he fled the store on foot in an unknown direction.
Police said the man was 180cm tall and of slim build, weighing about 70 to 75kg, and was wearing a grey hooded top.
Amies Jewellers owner Ivan Furyk said there were two female sales assistants in the shop at the time of the incident, a 50-year-old and 19-year-old.
The frustrated owner has been retailing in Fountain Gate Shopping Centre for 24 years.
Mr Furyk said the sales assistants were severely distraught, and one of them had resigned as a result of the incident.
“I’m sick of these incidents. I would like to see the stolen goods safely returned,” he said.
Corporate affairs manager for the Westfield Group Julia Clarke said the centre was helping police with their investigations.
Casey CIU’s Detective Sergeant Garry Kear said police were taking last week’s armed robbery very seriously.
He said there had not been an offence of this nature in the shopping centre for years.
“There has been an increase in armed robberies in Dandenong, with three taking place yesterday (Tuesday) in Dandenong, Springvale and Noble Park,” Det Sgt Kear said.
There will be an ongoing investigation by the Armed Crime Task Force.
Police are appealing for any witnesses to please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.