Chris Lynch Media has obtained shocking video footage of youths breaking into a Rangiora jeweller, stealing thousands of dollars worth of items, and causing extensive damage.

At 3AM on Monday, four youths tried to kick in the front door of Rangiora Showcase Jewellers on High Street.

When that didn’t work, they smash a hole in the side of the shop, crawling through a window and cabinet to gain entry.

The video shows an offender using a crowbar to smash open a display cabinet, while another steals items from the same cabinet.

Another offender tips over a large display table with a glass top, smashing it to the floor, before stealing multiple items.

The offenders are wearing hoodies, and their faces are concealed.

Rangiora Showcase Jewellers owner Dave Stewart told Chris Lynch Media “we’re a husband and wife-owned business, employing four local staff members and we’re gutted this sort of thing is happening.”

David said the shop had a comprehensive camera system and was fully alarmed.

“We’ve got great footage of the offenders, which police have.”

It’s the second incident at the store. About a year ago, a window was smashed and jewellery was stolen.

Last night’s attack follows the smash-and-grab at a vape store on Williams Street in Kaiapoi on Sunday morning.

Police were investigating both incidents, but couldn’t comment on whether they were linked.

Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said it was “incredibly alarming to hear of yet another shop in Waimakariri becoming the target of an overnight break-in.”

He said following on from the ram raid of a dairy late last year and two retail shops on the High Street over New Years, this is clearly part of a growing trend.”

Doocey said he had visited the Rangiora Showcase Jewellers shop owners this morning and said it was comforting that no one had been hurt.

However, with the pressures on small business at the moment this is the last thing our business community needs”.

He said “from the feedback I’ve received, many other business owners are feeling a sense of increased anxiety due to these spikes in retail crime.”

Doocey said one solution could be a community-led CCTV network in the district.

“I am joining the growing call from residents and business owners to increase our CCTV network and ensure we are able to identify offenders in a timely manner.”