Jamies Jewellers had just opened their Queenstown store in December. Photo / Supplied
About $15,000 worth of watches and other items have been stolen from a Queenstown jewellery store before a police pursuit overnight.
Small family-owned business Jamies Jewellers, on Grant Rd in the Five Mile Shopping Complex, was broken into about midnight.
Co-owner Clyde Vellacott said 12 to 15 watches, a laptop and about $150 in cash - all adding up to $14,800 - had been stolen.
"It's a lot for a small business like us, and will take a while to recover."
Jamies Jewellers was the oldest family jewellery business in New Zealand, Vellacott said.
It was founded 153 years ago by Vellacott's wife Rachel's family in Alexandra.
They had just opened the Queenstown store in December.
Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw said police were investigating and had "strong lines of inquiry" with regard to identifying the offender.
"We believe the offender may have travelled to the Southland area following the burglary, potentially travelling in a red Toyota vehicle, registration LQL818."
Police attempted to stop the vehicle in Dipton in the early hours of the morning.
The driver failed to stop and was briefly pursued by police, however the pursuit was abandoned due to the manner of driving and speed of the vehicle, Shaw said.
Anybody who has seen the vehicle or has information regarding the burglary could contact Queenstown Police on 03 441 1600, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police are also urging people to be wary of anyone offering watches for sale, or information online regarding watches for sale.
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