Insurance hit for Smethwick jeweller in attack ordeal
A Smethwick jeweller who bravely confronted masked men who smashed their way into his shop will have to pay for the stolen stock and damage from his own pocket as an insurance policy had lapsed.
Robbers wearing balaclavas
at Davand Jewellery in Bearwood Road.
Glass counters were smashed and the raiders got away with around 17 trays of gold jewellery worth tens of thousands of pounds.
Store owner David Nicholls said today an insurance policy at the store had recently lapsed and he had been in the process of getting another when the robbery happened.
But the 53-year-old, who was struck on the head with the sledgehammer during the raid, said he was determined to continue the business no matter what.
Other businesses in the industry have offered to supply him with stock which he can pay for when back on his feet.
Mr Nicholls said: "Our insurance had just lapsed and we were due to meet with our favoured insurer on Monday as this happened on Saturday.
"It will take around two years to get us back into the position where we were but the support we have had from the community and fellow members of the industry has been incredible.
"If we close we are letting the people who did this win and letting down everyone who has supported us."
But Mr Nicholls said he would not take on any items until all the damage had been repaired at the store.
He said: "I am spending a few thousand pounds on security.
"I want to ensure everything is safe before taking in any more stock."
