A JEWELLER at Oxford’s Covered Market has called for a new CCTV system to be installed.

John Gowing, who has run a jewellers at the market for the past 47 years, called for the upgrade in security following the latest break-in.

He said he wanted the city council, as landlord of the market, to install additional CCTV.

On December 4, at about 7pm, thieves broke through shutters and smashed windows before taking several rings.

Thames Valley Police issued CCTV images on Monday, stating that the man pictured could have ‘vital information’ about the burglary.

The break-in followed an incident at the jewellers in July in which a topless man stole a Rolex watch.

Mr Gowing added: “We have upgraded our CCTV system and alarm system and a number of traders also have their own CCTV.

“But the council has not provided its own system and it would be great if the council could provide a system to cover the whole of the market - it would provide extra coverage and peace of mind for traders.”

He added that gates at the entrances to the market were locked each night and were well secured.

Oxford Mail:

CCTV images released by Thames Valley Police showing a man officers wish to speak to in connection with the incident

Paul Birtles, who runs The Garden of Oxford flower shop and is chairman of the Covered Market Tenants Association, said: “There have been informal talks in the past between traders and the council about the possibility of installing CCTV to cover common areas of the market.

“Some traders have their own CCTV - our shop has it - and I was able to offer police CCTV for the latest incident.

“I would like to renew a call for a review of security measures although it’s possible some traders would want the money spent on something else instead.”

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Investigating officer PC Telesfora Rosec, based at Cowley police station, said following the incident on December 4: “We are appealing to anyone who may recognise the person in this CCTV image to get in touch, as we believe they may have vital information regarding this incident.”

City council spokesman Mish Tullar said: “We take security at the Covered Market very seriously and we are of course happy to discuss security with any and all tenants. We are working closely with Thames Valley Police on the investigation, and we would encourage anyone who recognises the person in the CCTV image to come forward.”

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One man was jailed for almost five years for his part in an attempted robbery at the jewellers in 2013. His accomplice died after he collapsed.