Police are continuing to hunt for the masked men who held up two women at knifepoint during an attempted robbery.

Eastern Daily Press: Renee Kathuria at the opening of her jewellery shop. PHOTO: Nick ButcherRenee Kathuria at the opening of her jewellery shop. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: �archant2016)

Renee Kathuria – owner of Oliver and J Jewellery in Blyburgate, Beccles – was behind the counter of the store when two masked men burst into the shop, threatened her and an employee and attempted to break into a cabinet on Tuesday, December 18.

Witnesses are still being sought in connection with the attempted robbery, and a police spokesman said: 'Inquiries are ongoing and anyone who witnessed the incident, saw any suspicious behaviour or has knowledge of it should contact Suffolk Constabulary on 101, quoting crime reference 37/73095/18.'

The attempted robbery comes just weeks after the town was stripped of its police presence, and last week the mayor of Beccles, Elfrede Brambley-Crawshaw, said: 'We have lost a visible police presence and we need more police even though the statistics still show that Beccles is safe.'

Addressing these concerns, superintendent Paul Sharp said: 'We deploy our policing resources based upon the risk presented to our communities and the harm caused.

'We will always endeavour to respond effectively, prioritising crime in progress or danger to people.

'We are very grateful for the valuable role that the public play in being vigilant and reporting any signs of suspicious behaviour.'

Last Friday, December 21 Waveney MP Peter Aldous met with police chiefs to catch up on 'a range of issues'.

He said: 'We discussed policing in market towns and the new arrangements they have in place.

'There is a strong demand in towns like Beccles and Bungay for a greater police presence, and the new arrangements with more frontline police officers will help address these concerns.'

Supt Sharp added: 'The force is confident that the recent changes to our policing model will add to the accessibility and visibility of police officers within our communities.

'Local policing is the bedrock of our service, and our decision to move additional officers into Safer Neighbourhood Teams reflects this commitment.

'We have looked closely at demands on policing across the county as part our recent restructure.

'PCSOs will continue to work across the county, working with our partners to address issues that matter most to communities.'