A WILMSLOW jeweller has called for police to get tough in the wake of the latest armed robbery in Alderley Edge.
Furious Karl Massey, boss of flagship jewellers, Cottrills, Wilmslow, warned the incident was a wake-up call, as this time no one was hurt.
He spoke out after police apologised for failing to prevent the robbery despite a tip off beforehand.
He said: "Unless the police completely change their non confrontational approach with regard to these armed attacks and show the same missionary zeal in apprehending these gangs as they do in trapping motorists, then little will be achieved.
"What we no longer need is liberal health and safety conscious policing but a force that is prepared to get its hands dirty and provide proper protection to those most at risk."
He added that a meeting with Chief Superintendent Ian Hopkins organised by Tatton MP George Osborne a week after the raid was a "waste of time."
"The police reiterated their apology and George Osborne can do little apart from facilitate meetings at a high level. But we were grateful for his attendance."
The raid at Henry Johnstone jewellers in Alderley village was the latest in a spate of audacious armed raids in the area. Robbers wearing smart business suits and wigs entered the shop at around 4pm carrying guns and threatened staff before snatching watches and jewellery. They made off down an alleyway and escaped in a car parked in the Avenue, at the rear.
Terrified staff activated a smoke cloak and a smart water devise which leaves a distinct stain on everything it touches.
Cheshire Police had alerted jewellers of the threat. As a deterrent they also parked unmanned vehicles in Alderley Edge, Wilmslow and Macclesfield.
The incident led to a warning from Tatton MP George Osborne who said: "It wont be long before someone is seriously hurt.
"Vicious criminal gangs from Manchester are targeting the area.
"There have been issues about the way police handled the robbery.
He went on: "It was a very good meeting. I had already had a conversation with the police about lessons that can be learned but also about the future and what can be done to prevent this happening again and about how to protect the shops.
"A meeting will take place with the borough council to see about getting CCTV into Alderley Edge which is vulnerable because they have got it in Wilmslow and Knutsford.
"Also they are trying to do something about the design of jewellers shops, more can be done to make them safe."
A spokesman for Cheshire police said: "We accept that the jewellers have been unhappy about the perceived response to the robbery and Chief Supt. Ian Hopkins has apologised.
"They have now expressed confidence in the plans in place and the thoroughness of the ongoing police investigation
"A review of procedure is also ongoing.
"We have discussed crime prevention and ways in which they can improve their own security."
A seminar will also be held for jewellers across the county to explain police response and self help.
