Is this the face of jewel thief?

5:40pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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Detectives investigating the theft of £100,000 of equestrian-themed jewellery have released this efit of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

The jewellery was stolen from a stall within the Rural Crafts Association Marquee at the end of the Great Yorkshire Show, in Harrogate, on Thursday, July 10.

The man in the efit was seen near to the marquee immediately before the theft.

A smartly-dressed man and woman both wearing dark clothing and with dark hair and tanned complexions were seen close to the marquee at around 6.30pm and again, inside the marquee at around 8pm. About 2,140 items of jewellery were stolen, some unique to the owner, who personally customizes the jewellery. A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said many of the pieces, a mixture of gold, white gold and platinum, were customised and would be unique.

A platinum horseshoe necklace, fitted with diamonds, is probably the only one its kind in the country as the diamonds are cut to fit the curvature of the horseshoe.

Another set of jewellery stolen comprises of two rings with a large Tanzanite centre stone surrounded by diamonds, with a matching pendant, which is also very rare.

A Jilton bracelet, also stolen, is interlinked with white gold and set on both sides with diamonds.

Most of the jewellery is hallmarked with the letters RH.

The thief entered the marquee as stallholders were packing away at about 8.15pm and took an olive-green and brown suedette trolley-style suitcase which contained the jewellery.

If anyone can help identify the man in the efit or can provide any information regarding the theft or the whereabouts of the jewellery, they should phone Harrogate CID on 0845 60 60 247 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.

Officers are also warning people to be on their guard if they are offered any similar jewellery for sale and if they are, to immediately contact police.