AN attempted jewellery heist in Launceston's CBD has left its victim stunned at the brazenness of the act.
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Just before 8pm on Wednesday two men began smashing the shopfront of Jim Hughes and Sons in the Quadrant Mall using what appeared to be crowbars.
The would-be thieves were interrupted by onlookers, one of whom gave chase.
In a dramatic escape one of the offenders was forced to jump on the back of the getaway car as it sped off.
Store owner Robert Turner said he couldn't believe a break-in would be attempted at that hour of the day.
``I just couldn't believe the timing _ 10 to eight,'' he said.
``The economy is going down and people are getting desperate. This is completely brazen and desperate.''
Mr Turner had collected some 1200 signatures to have something done about anti-social behaviour in the area before this.
``I've been pushing for change, I don't think it's linked but ironically I've been targeted,'' he said.
One witness said he heard a loud banging followed by shouts.
``This guy was hanging on the back of the car (as it drove off). I thought they were tying to get the person in the car,'' he said.
``Something must have happened and they wanted to get away very quickly.''
Mr Turner said the ordeal would cost him about $3500 replacing the window and the damaged display casing.
Launceston CIB has collected CCTV footage and is investigating.
The incident follows a spike in the number of burglaries in Launceston in July.
Launceston uniform division Inspector Michael Johnston said police had nabbed people responsible for a significant number of the break-ins.
``Over a three-week period we got hit quite heavily with burglaries _ residential and business,'' he said yesterday.
``Over the last seven days through some strategies we've implemented we've locked up quite a number of crooks and it's slowed down significantly again.''