A spokesperson for the family-run business – Kevin Byrnes Goldsmith – told Jeweller the bandit broke into the store at 10 am. Four staff members were present at the time of the robbery, which has been described as “controlled, professional and planned”.
According to a report by the Sunshine Coast Daily, one staff member was injured after being grabbed by the thief and thrown against a wall for refusing to empty the showroom display cabinets.
The offender ended up stealing numerous pieces from the store’s workshop - Kevin Byrnes Goldsmith is an in-house jewellery manufacturer.
The newspaper claimed the man demanded the CCTV footage and disabled the recording equipment before fleeing on foot. It also reported a senior police officer said the employees held at gunpoint were traumatised and would be offered counselling.
Anyone who may have witnessed the robbery is being urged to contact CIB Maroochydore or call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
Police have released a comfit of the wanted man. It is believed the robber was wearing a blue business shirt with white stripes, a black vest and black business pants.
He was reported as Caucasian with a tan, 175cm tall and with facial hair, possibly a short beard.
At the time of publication, the spokesperson said the owners were still working with police and could not disclose the store’s financial loss or any possible leads.