Rox jewellery thieves may have jumped in black cab

Two armed suspects carried out the raid at Rox around 5.15pm last Tuesday and made off with designer watches and necklaces worth around  £1m.

Both men were armed, one with an axe which he used to smash display cabinets, the other with a handgun.

After placing the jewellery in rucksacks, both men escaped on a black Honda 650 motorcycle, which was later found abandoned in Northumberland Street Lane, along with the axe.

Now officers believe the pair jumped into a black cab in the New Town and that the driver could help identify or even help to trace the men.

Lothian and Borders Police also revealed a large team of detectives has been drafted in to investigate Scotland’s largest ever heist and were today revisiting the scene in a bid to trace potential witnesses.

Stolen merchandise included diamond necklaces and engagement rings worth upwards of £100,000 each, along with luxury Hublot and Corum watches.

Scotland’s most expensive timepiece – the £500,000 handmade Opera Two Girard-Perregaux watch, which had been on display at the store previously – was not among the stolen items,  having been moved shortly after Christmas.

The suspects are described as being 20 to 30 years old, and wearing jogging bottoms and hooded tops. They had their faces concealed.

In addition to carrying out high-visibility foot patrols, a command vehicle will be situated in Howe Street, close to the junction with Northumberland Street, where officers will be available to speak to anyone who wishes to provide information.

Detective Chief Inspector Bobby Deas, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have a large team dedicated to this inquiry, and we have been carrying out extensive CCTV inquiries and forensic analysis.

“We have had an excellent response from the public, and I am hoping that today’s activity will result in more people coming forward.

“Our inquiries have suggested the culprits may have got into a taxi after abandoning the motorcycle, and we want to speak to any taxi driver who was working in the area around 5.30pm, who thinks they may have picked up the pair in the New Town area, near to Northumberland Street.

“Likewise, anyone who saw two men in possession of rucksacks or bags in the Northumberland Street area is also asked to get in touch.”