JEWELLERY worth thousands was taken in a smash and grab daylight raid – as thieves targeted a Swindon shop for the second time in a week.

The raid has led to the shop’s owner calling for better security in the town centre.

And another trader working nearby said he was warned by a crime prevention officer that such crimes were expected to increase because of the credit crunch.

Iles Jewellers, in Market Street, was hit by a thief who smashed glass and got away with items between 9.45am and 10am yesterday.

Witnesses described how the thief, armed with a club hammer, took a swing at the glass windows at the front of the shop and snatched jewellery.

Owner Stanley Iles, who has been running the shop since 1970, said: “I think it’s an indication of the level of the people that we have around us.

“It’s too easy, there’s not enough CCTV around here.”

The quantity or value of what was stolen has not yet been calculated, but is thought to run into thousands of pounds.

The shop’s CCTV may provide some vital evidence.

The shop was also broken into in early on Monday when raiders used a car jack to force their way in. That came after an attempted break-in through the roof several weeks ago.

Even though CCTV cameras around the Brunel Centre have been temporarily shut off Mr Iles said they would have made no difference as the shops are not covered by the cameras.

Mr Iles’ wife Decima was in the shop with two other members of staff when the incident occurred.

“I just saw this chap looking in the window,” she said.

“As I turned round I saw he had a white mask on. Then he started to thump the window with a hammer – he took a golf swing.”

Workshop manager Mark Vaughan said when the thief was spotted he ran off towards the Brunel West Car Park.

“We have all asked for extra cameras on this side, but nothing seems to happen,” he said.

Other traders in Market Street say the security in the area has been questioned for some time and that bollards, stopping vehicles using the area, would help.

Elizabeth Latouche, the cashier at Edwards and Bates arcade, said: “At night the security guards keep an eye on the town centre so why aren’t they doing it here?”

John Steward, of John Steward Jewellers, in Market Street, said he has spoken to town centre management company inSwindon about the issue.

“A crime prevention officer told me the sign of the times is that people are prepared to take a higher risk,” he said.

A council spokesman said: “The council has no statutory responsibility for providing CCTV in the town centre, but is taking the lead on behalf of all members of the Swindon Community Safety Partnership.

“If a case is put to us for bollards on access roads then we will of course look at that.”

Police confirmed a man has been arrested and is in custody awaiting interview. Anyone with information should call the police on 0845 408 7000.