A JEWELLER has described the moment a masked robber burst into his store waving a 2ft machete in broad daylight.

Armed police were called after a gang stole about £15,000 of jewellery from Gold and Diamonds, in Furtherwick Road, Canvey.

An 18-year-old man, from Canvey, was arrested about a mile away after a search.

The hooded robber forced owner Harry Awidikian and an assistant into the toilet at knifepoint before raiding the cabinets and fleeing with at least one accomplice in a getaway car.

Mr Awidikian, 47, said: “All I could think about was my twin boys, who were one year old yesterday, my daughter and my wife.”

The robber had confronted them just before closing time and told Mr Awidikian and his assistant to get on the floor. The space was too cramped, so he ordered them into a workshop, at the back of the shop.

The workshop was also too small, so he bundled them into the toilet then stole gold bangles and necklaces, diamond rings, chains and bracelets.

Mr Awidikian said: “He seemed more scared than we were. He was shaking.

“It was all quiet then we heard him say: ‘We are shut now’, so I think a customer walked in.”

Police believe a lookout may have been outside the shop, as well as a getaway driver. They drove off in a black Renault Clio.

The 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of robbery, in Elderstep Avenue, two hours later.

A police spokeswoman said: “A man is being questioned by police on suspicion of robbery following an incident at a jewellery store on Canvey.

“Police were called to Gold and Diamonds at just after 5pm on Thursday, February 19, following reports of robbery in progress.

“Jewellery was stolen and members of staff were threatened.

Suspects then made off in a black Renault Clio.

“Armed police officers attended and following a search of the area arrested an 18-year-old man from Canvey in Elderstep Avenue at just after 7pm.

“He is being questioned on suspicion of robbery at Southend police station.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.

Forgiveness

The shopkeeper said he had forgiven the robber who threatened him with a machete, but warned people to stay away from buying suspicious jewellery.

Harry Awidikian said: “I’m not a religious person, but last night, after it all happened, I went home and my boys were both awake. I got in bed with them both in my arms and all of a sudden I started crying and thanked God I’m still alive and with my family.

“I thought forgive these people and make them realise what they are doing to innocent people who are working hard and trying to earn a living.

“I would say to them, whenever they are considering doing something like this think twice.

“Think of their family first and their loved ones and what they are going to go through with their emotions.

“The other side of the crime is the people who are encouraging them by buying this stolen jewellery.”

Call for security guards

THE robbery victim has called for security guards to patrol Canvey town centre – before someone gets killed.

Harry Awidikian, owner of Gold and Diamonds, has called on town shopkeepers to band together and hire security guards.

Traders and shoppers have been shocked by the armed robbery in broad daylight. Many stopped Mr Awidikian in the street to express sympathy.

He said: “It was me today, but tomorrow it could be the shoe shop, the paper shop or the bank. Any of these shopkeepers could be a victim.

“It would be a good idea if all the shopkeepers came together and organised some kind of security or communication system, rather than just feel sorry for us. We have been lucky but another day, another incident, it could be fatal.”

The Knightswick Centre, nearby, already has security guards.