THE councillor responsible for public safety has said there are fears over organised crime following a raid at a jewellers.

Two brazen thieves, one armed with a gun, were caught on camera strolling out of Ernest Jones after raiding it.

The Gazette was sent video footage of two people wearing motorbike helmets, in the shop in Culver Square, Colchester.

The video was filmed just before 5am yesterday and shows one person in black motorcycle gear walk out of the jewellery store with a backpack.

He then walks back into the store and a second person wearing a white motorcycle helmet can be seen grabbing tens of thousands of pounds worth of jewellery from the window displays.

The sound of glass breaking can be heard in the video.

Essex police said there were even two security guards in the store at the time.

The pair, who were believed to have been carrying a hammer and a gun, then both walk out and the sound of a motorbike driving away can be heard.

Mike Lilley, Colchester councillor responsible for public safety, said there was growing concerns over organised crime in the county.

He said: “It’s disheartening these people think they can carry out these robberies all the time.

“This has obviously been planned, hopefully the motorbike will be recognised.

“We are having meetings with Culver Square to see if they will link their CCTV with the council’s.”

Mike Lilley had a meeting with representatives from neighbouring districts.

He said: “There was a concern about organised crime, which is different to a few drug addicts taking the opportunity to smash a window.

“These people have become braver because of what is happening with the police service.”

Signet Jewellers, which deals with press inquiries for Ernest Jones, said thankfully the stolen items can be traced.

They said: “At approximately 4.30am, there was a burglary in Ernest Jones.

“All of the stolen items possess serial numbers which means they will be completely traceable if any attempt at resale is made.”

Dave Robertson, centre manager at Culver Square said thankfully no-one was hurt and they are now supporting Ernest Jones and the police in their investigation.

Colchester Community Policing Team was in the town centre on the same night, but stopped their operation at 4am, just half an hour before the raid took place.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “They smashed display cases and stole TAG Heuer and Longines watches.

“One of the suspects had what appeared to be a gun. Two security guards were inside at the time but were unhurt.

“The suspects were described as white, aged in their late teens to early 20s. Officers carried out a search of the area and inquiries are ongoing.”

Call 101 with information quoting incident number 106 of December 12.