A ST Arnaud jewellery shop has been robbed, making it the second Wimmera jewellers targeted within a week.

Gold N Silver Mine was robbed in the early hours of Valentine’s Day, with the offenders using sledge hammers to break into the store.

Store owner Karen Russ said her and her husband Dave were gutted with the news when they turned up to open the store on Tuesday morning. 

“It goes to show that robberies can happen anywhere, even in a small town like this,” she said. 

“You work hard and do your best to provide a nice shop.” 

The jewellery store has been open for seven years with no history of break-ins. 

The Ararat Criminal Investigation Unit is investigating the robbery. 

Mrs Russ said security cameras captured the incident.

She said the robbers came with intent. 

“Their faces were well hidden, they all had sledge hammers and smashed the door open,” she said. 

“They then proceeded to smash cabinets – it was just a smash and grab.”

St Arnaud acting Senior Sergeant Stephen Armati said the perpetrators drove a silver coloured commodore with a distinctive spoiler. 

He said one of the offenders was about 180 centimetres tall with a black hoodie.

The car drove south on Napier Street, St Arnaud.

Mrs Russ said while the cost of the items that were stolen was still being tallied, she was glad none of the store’s customers’ jewellery was taken. 

“Retail stock can be replaced but heirlooms can’t,” she said. 

Latus Jewellers in Horsham was robbed last week.

Mrs Russ said it had been more and more apparent that jewellery shops were being targeted. 

Acting Senior Sergeant Armati said anyone with information about the theft was urged to called the St Arnaud police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.