Four men, aged 27, 29, 30 and 45 have been arrested after a female shopkeeper was pushed to the ground and hit on the wrist with a hammer during a robbery at Blooms jewellers in Ballyclare.
Police say cabinets were reportedly smashed and a quantity of jewellery was stolen.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information following the incident which happened yesterday (Thursday, 3 October) around 4pm.
Detective Sergeant Lenaghan said four men entered the shop, armed with baseball bats and hammers.
“The men smashed cabinets and assaulted a female member of staff who was pushed to the ground and struck on the wrist with a hammer.”
“The males made off with a quantity of jewellery.”
The Detective Sergeant said this was a distressing incident for the member of staff who has been left badly shaken.
“No one should be made to feel unsafe in the workplace,” added the Detective Sergeant.
Four men aged 27, 29, 30 and 45 have been arrested and remain in custody at this time assisting with enquiries.
Detective Sergeant Lenaghan continued: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with dash cam footage of the area at this time to contact detectives in Ballymena. Detectives are also keen to speak to anyone who is offered jewellery in suspicious circumstances to call 101, quoting reference number 1201 03/10/19. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”